The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 4 (August 1, 1932)
Survival and Arrival
Survival and Arrival.
This is the tale as propounded. It happened in the horse-days, before the horse-power daze. Skinny connected with Roa by coach, via mud, impecuniosity, and the urge to lap up the spirit of life “before Life's liquor in its cup be dry.”
“You looking for a job?” he rumbled. Skinny supported the supposition. “Do you ride?” asked the pioneering person, in the tone of one who says “of course you don't play golf.” “I do,” answered Skinny, like one taking the oath of submission at the altar. If “riding” is merely a matter of survival and arrival, Skinny could ride. He had “picked up” riding as one “picks up” influenza and statistics.
The large exhibit explained. It appeared that he owned a horse, name of Gentle Annie, which he had entered for the Shepherd's Plate. She was a good horse, but she hated weight like a dishonest grocer. Weight did not appear to be one of Skinny's secret vices. He was engaged to exhort Gentle Annie to victory.