A HAIRPIN'S TALE

Waipa Post, Volume 32, Issue 1784, 20 July 1926, Page 6

A HAIRPIN'S TALE

FULL OF EXPERIENCES. I, a black hairpin, found myself in company with several others en route to Australia. We were all in a large case, packed tightly, with ornamental paper separating us into different bundles. The voyage was pleasant, and when we had become used to the throbbing and other different sounds, we quite enjoyed ourselves. Some of the music was particularly fine.

One morning when we were beginning to weary of our close confinement the throbbing ceased. Australia,'at last! we thought. After a day or two our case was lifted, and we were jolted along to our temporary- home, where we were sorted and sent to different department/s. I had no fear of lingering very long, as I had a welldefined waist line and well-polished black coat. In fact, I had quite a distinguished appearance. Sure enough, on the very day I was on view a lady's maid bought me, and I was 'carried in a black bag to my future mistress. »

My mistress was charming, with a wealth of black hair for me to nestle in that was both silky and soft. When I had become used to the different accent I found the conversation entertaining and full of interest. •My mistress led a gay life, and I saw many plays by always contriving to be placed a little behind the ear, where I could peep out. I saw the leading lady at one matinee, when she was acting a most tragic part, pat my sister back into place. " Nesta " had seen me and given a jump of joy. This full life went on for some time. Then my lady coaxed her fiance to allow her to get her hair shingled. . . . My heart froze. My coat should never be touched by an enemy of the hairpin! When my mistresls left for Melbourne the next day I slipped out, ana lay shaken but unnoticed on the floor. The charwoman, a thrifty but not too honest s-oul, lifted me up, placed) me in her wiry hair, and, home I went to her abode. I was only, half covered, too. We rode in two of those queer trams, parts of which you see in the most unexpected places, such as parks, gardens, and even on beaches. Our stopping place was a poor mean street, with no trees, and a few grubby children playing about. I hoped at least for a cheerful room.

The room was clean but cold. A great, burly, truculent man was lying stretched out on the sofa. My heart sank. I crept as close as I could to myheadpiece. The evening was spent by husband and wife in unseemly wrangling. Next day I was left at home, and that cruel fiend of a man stretched me out as though I were a bit of elastic, and then pushed me through the dirty funnel of his pipe to clean it. I will say he put me back into shape again, but I was cruelly shaken, and lay quivering all day. However, we went to the pictures at night, and I forgot my troubles for a time. Worse was to come, however. The man who had put me through his pipe came home roaring drunk, and hit "'the missus," as he called her, as soon as she came into the ro§m. She fell stunned. A neighbour rushed out calling "Police!" and the man rushed! out after her in a crazy fashion. I saw no more, because I fell into a hole near the wall. Now, Mr and Mrs Rat lived there, and for some days ,1 was not discovered,, and studied rat life at close quarters. Mr s Rat was hustling and hot-tempered; Mr Rat was quiet and obstinate. When Mr Rat prowled by night he expected a rdst by day. His better half knew life sentiments, and made a great noise whenever she thought he waa sleeping. One day when I was resting with both ends in the air Mrs Rat fell on me. If there wasn't a scene! Her remarks, were both expressive and unkind. Mr Rat lefted me with his sharp little teeth, giggling a little to himself, till Mrs Rat nipped hi s tail. Then he bit me harder, and left me, with two dents in my side, lying on a greasy pavement. By this time my coat was silver, and, I was old before my time.

A little girl picked me up from, the •pavement with joy, twisted me into the shape of the letter M, and wore me for a brooch in her ragged frock. She was a gentle little girl, and I became quite attached to her. Her home, however, was very dirty and unpleasant, and often she had! very little to eat. One day we went to the Fitzroy Gardens for a treat. The gardens, with their lovely trees and green grafes, reminded me of England. A band there unexpectedly played "God Save the 'King." I tried to stand at attention, hut Millie, as I learnt to call her, had pinned me in crookedly, and) I fell to the ground. The leaves soon covered me, and here I lie, sheltered and at peace.