A RIDE IN A BUS.

 

 

My Dear Young Folk,

 

    Has it ever occurred to you that, if it were in the bounds of possibility, the stories that a bus could unfold would be wonderful beyond imagination? The tragedies and comedies of everyday life; the expressed wishes and desires of the many travellers who  in these days are to be found occupying the interiors of the buses that are to be found on our roads at all hours of the day and far into the night; the innumerable instances where humour is produced and hearty laughter is provoked, to be followed anon by deep gloom arising from some prominent or local or domestic trouble - all those recurring episodes in its life history would make irresistible reading, if it possible for a bus to recor its experiences.

 

    There has been a great change in social life during the last few years owing to the introduction of buses  and none has benefited more than the community of West Cumberland, and I have no doubt you boys and girls fully appreciate this. It is quite apparent from your letters that you thoroughly enjoy a ride in a bus, especially those of you who live in the towns, because you can get far away from the smoke and the grime and, at the cost of a few coppers, rejoice in the delights of the countryside without the tired feeling that is usually the outcome of a long walk on a hot day.

 

    Your country cousins also find pleasure in the advantages of the bus service, as they are able to visit the towns where the markets, kinemas and shops are a great attraction. Therefore you will know that the buses are a welcome institution where ever you may reside. During holidays, particularly, you appreciate the buses that are given the opportunity  of paying visits to your friends and relations much easier than when your parents were young like you.

 

    There is one thing I would like to impress upon my nephews and nieces, and that is to be very careful in your behaviour when in the buses and do not fail to treat passengers and conductors with proper respect. Remember that the conductor has a great responsibility imposed upon him and, in local buses without a doubt, he is invariably a man worthy of respect, and his word is law so far as the conduct of the bus is concerned. I don't know that I can say more on this subject unless it is that, if ever you meet the conductor who tries to whistle "Pop goes the weasel" in a minor key, you might just remind him that his musical attempt has come to the notice of

 

                                                         UNCLE PEN.

 

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