HAD DONE HIS SHARE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue XXI, 13 November 1897, Page 672

HAD DONE HIS SHARE.

The only people who are positive they are fitted to bring up children in the way they should go are very old gentlemen and maiden ladies. An amusing little scene, in which the ‘helpful old gentleman ’ figured, occurred the other day at Dunedin. Quite a family party were assembled, of the class that believe in making the most of a free country, to aw ait the arrival of an expected guest. Children were there galore, playing tag around the old gentleman's feet, falling periodically over his canvas-bag, squealing wildly as they ran into passengers, and retreating in heaps as a ‘ cop ’ approached. The ‘ helpful old man ’ stood it as long as he could conscientiously— then, looking over his spectacles, said, severely : * Stop that racket - you children !’ ‘ Well, I like that,’ answered one of the mothers in a loud, angry tone. But if she did the old gentleman didn’t, and faced the woman as he continued : * Now look here, madam : I’ve raised three families of children, and not a single child was ever allowed to annoy my neighbours.’ ‘ Well,’ replied the irate lady, ‘ if you’ve raised three families you’ve certainly done your duty, and I’ll thank you to allow me to raise mine.’