of normal supplies seems to
come round in cycles of four years. Meanwhile the period of abnormal prices
continues to come round in cycles of once a week. A movement in favour of
postponing the cycle of payment till we get the cycle of plenty is not
receiving adequate support from the provision trade.

* * *

Agricultural labourers near Peterborough have refused to work with Irishmen
on the ground that the latter are troublesome. We always said that sooner
or later someone would come round to Mr. LLOYD GEORGE'S view on this point.

* * *

A newspaper reports the case of a waiter who refused a tip. It is said that
the gentleman who offered it is making a slow recovery and may be able to
take a little fish this week.

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Caller._ "EXCHANGE? GET ME DOUBLE-SIX DOUBLE-FIVE NINE
CENTRAL--AND GET IT QUICK, LIKE THEY DO IT ON THE PICTURES."]

* * * * *

THE GROWTH OF THE SIDE-CAR.

"MOTOR CARS, CYCLES, _&c._

ARGYLL.--2 Bedrooms and sitting-room, with attendance."--_Scotch
Paper._

* * * * *

"BRIGHTON ELECTRIC RAILWAY.

PALACE PIER AND KEMP TOWN CARS EVERY FIVE YEARS."--_Local Paper._

It is inferred that the Ministry of Transport has assumed control.

* * * * *

AN APOLOGY TO THE BENCH.

_Humbly addressed to T.E.S._

If ever, where you hold the Seat of Doom,
I stand, my Lord, before you at the Bar,
And my forensic fame, a virgin bloom,
Lies in your awful hands to make or mar,
Let it not prejudice my case, I pray,
If you should call to mind a previous meeting
When on a champion course the other day
I gave your Lordship four strokes and a beating.

I own it savoured of contempt of court,
Hinted of disrespect toward the Bench,
That I should chuckle when your pitch was short
Or smile to see you in the sanded trench;
But Golf (so I extenuate my sin)
Brings all men level, like the greens they putt on;
One common bunker makes the whole world kin,
And Bar may scrap with Beak, and I with SCR-TT-N.

Nor did I give myself superior airs;
I made allowance for defective sight;
"The bandage which impartial Justice wears
Leaves you," I said, "a stranger to the light;
Habituated to the sword and scales,
If you commit some pardonable blunder,
If" (I remarked) "your nerve at moment