Magpie Mockery

(An ongoing series of snippets of conversation overheard on the streets of Katoomba.)

The following was overheard inside Hedgewick's Emporium by a gentleman who wishes to remain anonymous. It was part of a discussion between Colonel R. Farquhear, a local camel breeder and retired rascal, and Mr. H. Hedgewick, debonair man-about-town and, thought to be author of Beau Brummell's Brumbies: The Katoomba Gentlemen's Dress Code written under a nom-de-plume.

Mr. Hedgewick: This just won't do, Colonel! This gentleman has breached his breeches, he's trashed his trousers, he has knackered his jacket, he has sat on his hat and...he has not a clue as to a good shoe!!!

Colonel F: Well, egad sir! What would you recommend he do then?!!

Mr. Hedgewick: I would recommend a complete restyling. I suggest that he be offered a free introductory assessment by Mademoiselle. Leobelle's Haute Couture Sanatorium in Leura for the beginning. After that he should be sent to Mr. Stodgely-Carmichael for a course in deportment and how to actually wear one's attire. Then he can return to my emporium for a fitting for the latest fashions he will be positively aching to purchase.

Colonel F (applauding): Oh, jolly good show, that'll put the starch in his trousers, dear fellow! Or is it his shirt, I can never remember. Oh anyway it's all jolly good, jolly good!!

(Magpie Mockery is happily sponsored by Hedgewick's Emporium, of Main St, Katoomba. The following advertisement shows two examples of the wide range of fine products and services Mr. Henry Hedgewick endeavours to bring to Katoomba and surrounding towns.)

New Innovations

There has been a flurry of excitement around Katoomba and Leura this past month as several of our prominent citizens have obtained the latest craze that's lighting up the new century as much as Mr Edison's light bulbs have. What I speak of is the 'Edison Bell telephony machinery' that has been implemented in this country, and now, in the Blue Mountains.

First hansom cab off the rank was Miss. Isabel V. Franklin who 'requested' that her father have one of the telephony apparatuses connected to his residence (a copy of her personal Edison Bell courtesy card can be seen at the end of this page). Not to be outdone, the next person to obtain one was, of course, Miss. Leonara Godaire who obtained it for, as she stated to me, 'business purposes'.

Seeing the advantages to his own business and his clientele, Mr. Henry Hedgewick, Esq., owner of Hedgewick's Emporium, sought to be ahead of the rest and had a direct line put in place to his managerial office at his store in Main St, Katoomba.

(The courtesy card for Hedgewick's Emporium.)

It will be anyone's guess as to who will have the Edison Bell company knocking on their door next, but I have heard it on good note that Colonel Farquhear is looking into the idea. Now that will be a turning point for the region, as he has been such a long term advocate of 'pigeon-morse code' as the best modern communication methodology!

Heaven knows what may be next, we will just have to wait and see!

(Taken from The Blue Mountains Echo dated 28th March, 1911.)