Katoomba Amusements Company

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.)