TRADE TOPICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 282, 19 December 1895, Page 13

TRADE TOPICS.

They had been having a little game of “ a bob in and the winner shouts,” and a disagreement having arisen over the game, the matter came before a well-known magistrate. Like most other judges occupying a position on the bench, he professed ignorance of this insinuating little game. The local constable tried to explain the modus operandi, stating that each of the players put in a shilling, the winner taking the pool, out of which he paid for the drinks —sixpence each. “Perfectly fair, I assure your Worship,” remarked the constable. “ Yes, apparently,” said the magistrate, “ but what becomes of the other sixpences ? ” Another good story is told of a magistrate who had to adjudicate upon another little trouble that arose out of a game of “ Yankee-grab.” The game had to be explained to him; he didn’t know, of course. One of the witnesses produced a “ box and bones,” and, by way of illustration, had thrown a six, five, and two, and was proceeding to pick up the five and two, when, to everyone’s astonishment, the magistrate in a hurried manner called out —“ Oh I Leave the five.” The leading hotel in Wanganui, the Rutland, has changed hands, Messrs. Dwan Bros., the premier hotel brokers and valuers, having sold Mr C. J. McCarthy’s interest in it to Mrs Scott, late of the Masonic Hotel, Gisborne. Mrs Scott is the widow of the late Mr James Scott, who piloted the native football team through the United Kingdom some years ago. Mr R. Fawcett, who was a general favourite as host of the Anchor Hotel, is now occupying the Naval and Family Hotel, at the corner of Pitt Street and Karangahape Road, so long associated with the name of the late Mr Brodie. A new house, equipped with the latest conveniences, has been erected, and Mr Fawcett may be relied on to give comfort to town friends and country visitors ar, the new house. Mr John Hand, of the Thames Hotel, seems to be about as deep in the sea of mining speculation as any of the publicans in Auckland. If you get into conversation with him on the subject he draws a bundle of scrip from his hip pocket and flourishes it dramatically, while in mournful tones he tell you the number of calls he has had to pay, and expatiates on the scarcity of dividends he has received. Although John is a pretty heavy speculator, he doesn’t let his business suffer for all that; and he is much oftener seen in his own bars than on the Exchange. In fact, he seems to have converted his private bar into a species of select mining exchange, where most of the out-of-town mining men can be met with. The next young lady on on our list is a doughty little party of the Watteau Shepherdess type of beauty. She has many admirers, as what pretty woman has not ? lam one of the humble adorers in her train, and confess to feeling annoyed when she smiles on another fellow. Touch the harp gently — Her name is suggestive, Perhaps you have heard Its sweet music on festive Occasions, the word Means beautiful; surely A less happy term Would picture her poorly; She’s love’s own sweet germ. The name, can’t you think it ? Why Bella; the elf, Whenever we drink it We drink her sweet self; A toast that is cheery To each one whose mind Leaves thoughts that are dreary, With pleasure behind. Her figure’s quite .pretty, Her ankles a dream, Her speech ever witty; Her eyes always seem Two twin lakes of laughter. To tell all her charms Would send you all after Her, at the “ King’s Arms.”