A Story of MacGregor

Letter to the Editoi YOUR article on Sir William Mac- Gregor in the June “PIM” was an enthralling account of the life of a remarkable man.

Here is something, in lighter vein, re garding the same gentleman—a story told to me by one of his contemporai ie.s which it is quite possible some old-timer may be able to corroborate.

Sir William —in those days just plain “Mac” to his mates—was at the time Receiver-General for Fiji; and one of the other departmental heads approached him, told him he had two casks of goods from Sydney in bond, and asked Mac for a clearance. “We are both civil servants ” he said, “and why should I have to pay duty?”

A hopeless proposition to put to the incorruptible Macgregor, of course. The

would-be duty evader would not take “No” for an answer, and Mac eventually told him to bring along his invoices.

Upon perusal of these Mac made a sinful-sounding bargain. “If you,” he said, “will undertake to saw those two casks in half, point the top of each stave, paint them a nice green and send them along to my quarters for palm tubs I’ll give you a clearance.”

This offer was delightedly accepted by the other, who fancied himself as an amateur carpenter.

In due course, the palm tubs were a noble decoration on Mac’s verandah.

His partner in sin called. “Are you satisfied?” he asked.

“Yes,” said Mac. “And, look ye, mon, read your tariff, read your tariff! Your dom stuff is on the free list.”

I am, etc.,

Mata-Kiki-Obo-Obo.

Sydney.