Fun at the "Devil's Corner.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 331, 30 July 1889, Page 3

Fun at the "Devil's Corner.

TowNsrtopi.B often assert that the country ham’ets must be very dull at night, but we •re gssured that, at any rate, this is not the truth as regards Waerenga.a-hika, if our Informants speak truthfully. It appears that almost every evening, at what was once known as the "the Devil's Corner” (name Mi now deserved), a genial character—we will eall him George so as far as possible to hide his identity—keeps a number of listeners In roars cf laughter by relating quaint stories. On* of hit latest is worth repeating. George, It must be stated, does not live a life of

■lngle blessedness, but has as a sharer of his joys • lady of the aboriginal race whom he is endeavouring to get to run in the ways of the pakeha, He states that the other evening th* “ missus " had received a present of some mussels, of which she is very fond, and that Be fancied he sew a good opening to carry gut his idea of instilling European notions. He induced her to give him a shilling wherewith to obtain vinegar and pepper so that the bivalves might be eaten in the correct Way, He says he really did intend to spend the money as stated, but somehow got playing cards on the way and forgot all about it Until the store was shut up. He, however, Bade ■mends, by taking home sixpence worth of half and half. Arrived at the bouse the " missus ” had evidently been anxiously •waiting to enjoy the treat, and seeing George with the black bottle, made preparations tor a supper of mussels served in European style, He was slightly taken •bask, but lighting something on the mantelplece pstook heart of grace, and by some fceuse taking her attention off for a moment, he covered the mussels with half and half (not vinegar), and sprinkled them over with some flea powder which he had discovered on th* shelf. She started to eat, and be sat flown to watch proceedings. Suddenly there yra* • row, then there was a man whose face gras st>oth*red with beer, stout, flea powder, gad mussels; next a male figure hurrying off to theaearest hotel, followed by a storm of Mdearing *plihsts in Maori. George says tbiugs ar* pretty well right at home again ttew, hut tor • day or so after hie mistake (M fee nib it) he tot flhjlag oat,