Punch: Punch (87.1884)

December 27, 1884.]

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

303

A WATER-COLOUR EXHIBITION.

At the half-yearly meeting of the Grand Junction Waterworks
Company, the Report seems to have been so exceedingly couleur de
rose, that in future the Company might call itself the Grand Junction
Rose-Waterworks. The Chairman, Mr. W. T. Higgins, said “ they
had given an abundant supply of excellent water in the last half
year.” As a side-light upon this official optimism it may he noticed
that “the inhabitants of Hayden’s Mews are without a supply of
water.” So at least it was announced at a meeting of the Kensing-
ton Vestry held on the same day. Mr. Dud field, Medical Officer
of Health, said “there was a dispute as to the liability of paying
the rate, the consequence being that the Grand Junction Company
had cut off the supply.” A true root-and-branch policy this. Mr.
Boulcheh observed, that owing to the action of Mr. Dobbs, the
Company had fallen foul of small property. The spirit of Mr.
Winkle seems strong among the Water Companies. What may
follow—and serious consequences are conceivable—from Hayden’s
Mews being without that same “ abundant supply of excellent water”
upon which they plume themselves is, of course, “ no business of the

G. J. W. Co.” Dr. Daniell said it was monstrous that the Company
should have the power of cutting off the supply of water. A Daniell
come to judgment, indeed. How dared he? This Daniell will find
himself in a lion’s den if he doesn’t take care. “Water, water,
everywhere, but not a drop to drink ”—in Hayden’s Mews—seems
the result of the last half year’s action of the Grand Junction Rose-
Waterworks Co. Whether this result shows that “ progressive and
cheerful character ” which Mr. Higgins declared marked the
periodical statements of the working of the Company, perhaps the
Public will decide.

A Heply

To the prolonged and persistent attacks of a certain influential Journal.
Lord Ripon loquitur:

They tax me with a dozen crimes ;

But, bless you, I don’t mind it.

While Loyalty with Ripon rhymes,

Don’t tell me I’m “ before the times,”

Ask rather, who’s behind it !

CHRISTMAS WAITS.

Trio. “ Oh, Bless you, Gentlemen, whose looks
Are very far from frowning,

Pav cash, and buy the latest books
Of Tennyson, Swinburne, Browning ! ’