CHAPTER XXVII.
The Watch Trick.—A Model Bank Clerk.—An Original Love Letter
In May 1870, Thatcher, the well-known comic singer, paid a visit to Hokitika. His local songs (in which he brought in the names of most of the residents) were a great draw. He was particularly severe on a well-known “knight of the hammer,” who waited his time and had his revenge.
The following extract is from the Tomahawk, a Saturday journal of criticism, commentary, and satire:—
“But here another individual of extraordinary talents becomes interwoven with the thread of our narrative, and must share our consideration, being an offspring of Momus, and one of those mirth-provoking creatures that would never allow an opportunity to slip of raising a laugh (and sometimes the wind) at another’s expense. This genius was a musician of the fal-fal-tol-de riddle school, exquisitely clever on the ‘jew’s harp,’ and assisted by ‘a very unfortunate man,’ would convulse his audience by vocal and instrumental sketches of our local celebrities, amongst whom was our ‘worthy knight,’ who came in for his share. So continuous was this satire (often provoked) that a spirit of revenge was fired within his hitherto placid bosom. With the assistance of one who promised to ‘see him through it,’ and a few more kindred spirits (who had become immortalised by this comic minstrelsy), he resolved to repay these jokes and jibes with interest. And as this terpsichorean was about to leave us to our original sober sadness, it was thought a fitting opportunity to carry this plot into execution. A handsome spread was prepared, and laid out in compliment to the departing guest; and with him, also, were invited a large company of the élite of Hokitika, with the ostensible purpose of witnessing the presentation of a ‘gold watch and appendages’ to the ‘chief musician,’ whose musical talents had caused a furore in our quiet little town. Let us now contemplate the festive scene. A jovial party, after the toils of business, had assembled to enjoy one of those hilarious meetings that Englishmen so much appreciate. Gaily dressed was the apartment; flags and flowers, ‘at least of speech,’ were abundant; the viands were choice, whilst the wines, as they sparkled in the uplifted glasses, imparted an unusual glow to the countenances of the guests—animated, as they were, by the hearty merriment of
