SCORE: McNALLY 1 – BONNER 0

(Submitted by Gordon BONNER)

I am reminded of an encounter I had with RSM McNALLY one Saturday afternoon. As usual I was on jankers (322 days in 3 years, that was me, just could not resist having the last word). Anyway, after Rodeo I was detailed off to sift sand at the 30-yard range and collect lead for salvage. I was smoking as I worked. Suddenly Mac appeared: “Are you smoking boy, and do you have a smoking pass?” Well, yes I was, and no, I did not. He then promptly doubled me down to his office, sat me down and gave me a Wills Passing Cloud, oval shape if I remember correctly. I was then instructed to commence smoking at a very fast rate and not to stop until he told me to. I think I got through about 2½ fags before I had a violent kit check. I never smoked again. To drive the lesson home Mac also charged me 3d each for three cigarettes. Harsh treatment, indeed, when one received only four shillings a week. Well, one can smile about it now, and I suppose in the long run he did me a favour.

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