SHOWER OF GOLD.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXII, Issue 9597, 8 February 1910, Page 7

SHOWER OF GOLD.

While oue of the Atlantic liii9rs, the Oceanic, was casting off her rnooriug ropes recently, and was slowly getting away from the "dum-

mies," which are always placed in betsveen the big steamers "alongside Bie stage aud the pontoous. a curious and exciting scene took place. A youug geutlemau, well-dressed, of light complexion, generally wellfound as well as highly groomed, was stauding apart from others, somewhere ou the deck of the second cabin. He seemed to be perfectly compos mentis, but was gazing intently on the people congregated ou the stage. In a direct line with his position was a bunch of badge-uorters, who were

counting their small gains or fees, as they always do wheu "settling up" after work. Suddeuly a bright, gold coin came hurtling'through the'air, lauding ou one of tho "dummies." The youug gentleman ou board then

threw another sovereign, and still another—half-sovereigns aud silver coming flying galore from tho side of the big liver. do sluug them out quickly, oue after the other, aud the excited porters, now realising that it was raining gold, made a scramble of au unprecedented nature to secure the coveted coins. They all got mixed up iv the melee, falling over each «kier, aud generally having a rare issle, much to the delight of all who saw them. Still the money rolled down from the liner, and more panting men joined in the fray. As the ship steered away the gold shower ceased. Some of it fell into the river, and was lost; other coius got stuck iv crevices or rebounded on to the poutoous aud chains. When tne astonished porters counted their "takings" this time they found that altogether some £1-1 to £i<i, iv sovereigns aud halfsovereigns, had been thrown amougst them—not to meutiou a slight shower of silver and copper, to boot. Theu some doubt arose as to tho genuineness of the metal, but it was examined by high police officials present, and proved to be of standard value. The eccentric, donor of the money was said to be the son of an American millionaire, but his identity could not be established. Millionaire* do not often, it is needless to say. throw money away in this fashion, and certainly Mr Andrew Carnegie, who was ou board, never does. Liverpool badgeporters are goiug to keep a sharp look out for the return of this American visitor.