PAUL FEAKES
A BIBLIOGRAPHY
Paul Feakes (1898-1985)
But Mostly Laughter | Short Stories
But Mostly Laughter
Published by Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
Edited by I. & Sheila Payne
This book is the only collection of short stories by Paul Feakes (the pseudonym used by
William George Payne) that was ever published. It appeared posthumously and the stories
were selected by his two daughters. He had been working on assembling a book collection of
his short fiction shortly before he passed away in 1985. The stories gathered here are
mostly taken from the London Evening News, a newspaper that printed almost 300 of
his tales from 1924 to 1979.
But Mostly Laughter contains an introduction by I. & Sheila Payne and the
following short stories: "Change of Art", "Lucky Dip", "I Should
Worry", "Time to Play", "Thanks, Pal", "Off-Stage
Effects", "The Sèvres Plate", "Time to Collect", "Prize
Chump", "Courtesy Build-Up", "Key Man", " 'Tis Best We
Part", "Hi, Dad!", "Between Brothers", "Hat Trick",
"Old Man on War", "They Done Her Right", "Known to the
Police", "He Played His Part", "Wanted Man", "Hint
Taken", "She Got the Needle", "Type-Cast", "Well, They
Tried", "Cap Trick", "Squared Meal", "Second
Childhood", "Settled Out of Court", "Model Husband" and
"Beau for a Viola".
"The Oracle"
The Evening News, April 28, 1924
"Settled Out of Court"
The Sheffield Weekly Telegraph, April 18, 1925
"The Fallen Idol"
The Benalla Standard (Victoria, Australia), May 29, 1925
The Fern Tree Gully News (Upper Ferntree Gully, Victoria, Australia), May 30, 1925
The Omeo Standard and Mining Gazette (Victoria, Australia), June 19, 1925
The Huon Times (Franklin, Tasmania, Australia), July 24, 1925
These are syndicated reprints of a short story that would have previously appeared in a
British periodical. I have not, so far, been able to identify the source publication.
"Poetical Licence"
Gaiety Annual, No. 3, 1926
"Intensity"
The Windsor Magazine, February 1926
"The Umbrella"
The Richmond Guardian (Victoria, Australia), April 10, 1926
The Narracan Shire Advocate and Yallourn Brown Coal Mine, Walhalla and Thorpdale Lines
Echo (Moe, Victoria, Australia), April 30, 1926
The Omeo Standard and Mining Gazette (Victoria, Australia), May 4, 1926
The Huon Times (Franklin, Tasmania, Australia), June 11, 1926
These are syndicated reprints of a short story that would have previously appeared in a
British periodical. I have not, so far, been able to identify the source publication.
"The Double"
The Sheffield Weekly Telegraph, June 19, 1926
"The Second Kiss"
The Sheffield Weekly Telegraph, April 2, 1927
The Narracan Shire Advocate and Yallourn Brown Coal Mine, Walhalla and Thorpdale Lines
Echo (Moe, Victoria, Australia), July 8, 1927
The Huon Times (Franklin, Tasmania, Australia), August 19, 1927
"The Irritating Idiot"
The Jolly Magazine, No. 8, December 1927
"The Man with a Grievance"
The Sheffield Weekly Telegraph, July 27, 1929
"The Perfect Crime"
The Sheffield Weekly Telegraph, March 29, 1930
"A Morning with Mr. Weiss"
The Sheffield Weekly Telegraph, April 19, 1930
"The Salesman"
The Dundee Evening Telegraph, May 22, 1930
"The Colonel"
The Leicester Evening Mail, October 28, 1930
The Western Daily Press and Bristol Mirror (Bristol, Avon), December 3, 1934
The West Briton (Truro, Cornwall), May 20, 1935
"The Bookworm"
The Sheffield Weekly Telegraph, May 23, 1931
"The Loser"
The Sheffield Weekly Telegraph, July 18, 1931
"Local Color"
The Traralgon Record (Victoria, Australia), March 24, 1932
The Rutherglen Sun and Chiltern Valley Advertiser (Victoria, Australia), March 25,
1932
The Benalla Standard (Victoria, Australia), April 1, 1932
The Guyra Argus (New South Wales, Australia), April 21, 1932
The Huon Times (Franklin, Tasmania, Australia), April 29, 1932
The King Island News (Currie, King Island, Tasmania, Australia), May 25, 1932
The Gnowangerup Star and Tambellup-Ongarup Gazette (Western Australia), July 9,
1932
The Port Macquarie News and Hastings River Advocate (New South Wales, Australia),
July 30, 1932
These are syndicated reprints of a short story that would have previously appeared in a
British periodical. I have not, to date, been able to identify the source publication.
"Borrowed Luck"
The Daily Mail, March 28, 1932
"The Mummers"
The Sheffield Weekly Telegraph, June 11, 1932
"Time Heals"
The Daily Mail, September 20, 1932
"One Aspirin"
The Sheffield Weekly Telegraph, October 15, 1932
The Northern Weekly Gazette, September 4, 1937
The Manchester Evening News, October 13, 1952
"False Ambition"
The Tatler, December 2, 1932
"Fool-Proof"
The Tatler, February 1, 1933
The Corner Magazine, October 1933
Tit-Bits, No. 4476, December 25, 1971
"The Shorn Lamb"
The Daily Mail, October 9, 1933
"As Per Schedule"
The Sheffield Weekly Telegraph, May 5, 1934
"Crisis"
The Daily Herald, May 17, 1934
"Snookered"
The Daily Mail, August 20, 1934
The China Mail, September 20, 1934
"The Double"
The Western Daily Press and Bristol Mirror, September 22, 1934
The West Briton (Truro, Cornwall), July 22, 1935
"The Charmed Life"
The Evening Standard, February 9, 1935
The Hong Kong Sunday Herald, April 21, 1935
"Fair Comment"
The News Chronicle, May 4, 1935
"The Masterpiece"
The Bystander, September 11, 1935
John Creasey Mystery Magazine, November 1962
"Fire!"
The Star, November 5, 1935
"To a Japanese Gentleman"
The Star, May 2, 1936
"Easy Money"
The Windsor Magazine, No. 500, August 1936
"Talking of Book-ends"
The Windsor Magazine, No. 505, January 1937
"The Car is Ready, Gentlemen"
The Passing Show, January 16, 1937
"Tipster's Trade Mark"
The Passing Show, February 13, 1937
"Trade Mark"
Answers, July 3, 1937
"Never Count Your Pickings"
The Daily Herald, July 15, 1937
John Creasey Mystery Magazine, August 1964
"Counterfeit"
Answers, October 23, 1937
"Heavy Father Stuff"
The Windsor Magazine, December 1937
"To Catch a Sparrow"
Answers, February 12, 1938
"Hold-Up"
Answers, May 28, 1938
"One Over the Fence"
Answers, July 23, 1938
"Card 13"
This short story was broadcast by BBC radio in various regions across the UK on October 6,
1938. The adaptation was dramatised for a wireless audience by Monica Marsden and the show
was produced by Olive Shapley.
"Midnight Caller"
Answers, March 9, 1940
"Paid by Cheque"
The Evening News, November 21, 1941
"Once Seen ..."
The Evening News, December 15, 1941
John Creasey Mystery Magazine, Spring 1963
"He Left the Key"
The Evening News, January 31, 1942
"Out of the Frying Pan"
The Evening News, February 27, 1942
"The Key to the Fence"
The Evening News, April 28, 1942
"He Showed His Hand"
The Evening News, May 21, 1942
John Creasey Mystery Magazine, March 1962
"Just What She Wanted"
The Evening News, July 3, 1942
"Two Sides to the Plot"
The Evening News, July 23, 1942
"Debt of Honour"
This short story was broadcast in the form of a radio play by the BBC Home Service on July
25, 1942.
"Dud Certain"
The Evening News, August 17, 1942
"Safe Job"
The Evening News, September 12, 1942
"Postscript to Destiny"
The Evening News, October 1, 1942
"Love Will Tell"
The Evening News, October 12, 1942
"Marked Man"
The Evening News, October 27, 1942
"Present Incorrect"
The Evening News, November 14, 1942
"Keys to the Heart"
The Evening News, November 23, 1942
"Many Happy Returns"
The Evening News, December 5, 1942
"Off the Ration"
The Evening News, December 19, 1942
"Snow Trap"
The Evening News, January 9, 1943
"Hitch in the Ring"
The Evening News, January 18, 1943
"Posterity Please Note"
The Evening News, February 12, 1943
"Footnote to Humour"
The Evening News, February 24, 1943
"Fate Marks the Hour"
The Evening News, March 6, 1943
John Creasey Mystery Magazine, December 1962
"A Weight on his Mind"
The Evening News, March 26, 1943
"As We See Ourselves"
The Evening News, April 5, 1943
"Wealth Untold"
The Evening News, April 27, 1943
"Someone to Envy"
The Evening News, May 4, 1943
"Once Smitten"
The Evening News, May 17, 1943
"Hit for Six"
The Evening News, May 31, 1943
A reading of this short story was broadcast by various radio stations in Australia on
April 20, 1944.
"Art v. Craft"
The Evening News, June 17, 1943
" 'Haven't We Met Before?' "
The Evening News, June 29, 1943
"Sorry You Were Troubled"
The Evening News, July 10, 1943
" 'Take My Advice ...' "
The Evening News, July 24, 1943
"Last-Round Decision"
The Evening News, August 5, 1943
"Light Offenders"
The Evening News, August 21, 1943
"Given His Chance"
The Evening News, September 6, 1943
"Last Laugh"
The Evening News, September 16, 1943
"Change of Art"
The Evening News, September 27, 1943
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"No Prize for Booby"
The Evening News, October 11, 1943
"So Now He Knows"
The Evening News, October 25, 1943
"Friend of the Famous"
The Evening News, November 6, 1943
"Fool Explanation"
The Evening News, November 17, 1943
"Past Tense"
The Evening News, December 6, 1943
"They Heard"
The Evening News, December 21, 1943
"On Second Thoughts"
The Evening News, January 3, 1944
"Moving Appeal"
The Evening News, January 18, 1944
"Portrait of a Husband"
The Evening News, January 31, 1944
"A Gamble in Fiddles"
The Evening News, February 12, 1944
"Returncoat"
The Evening News, February 28, 1944
"Dance On, Pierrot"
The Evening News, March 11, 1944
"Cash in Hand"
The Evening News, March 22, 1944
" 'Fur Coats, Modom?' "
The Evening News, April 5, 1944
"A Part to Play"
The Evening News, April 17, 1944
"Food for Thought"
The Evening News, April 28, 1944
"Honours Uneven"
The Evening News, May 8, 1944
"Taken as Read"
The Evening News, May 24, 1944
"Snobstuff"
The Evening News, June 5, 1944
"Coupons no Object"
The Evening News, June 12, 1944
"The Snatch"
The Evening News, July 4, 1944
"Hopeless Case"
The Evening News, July 11, 1944
"Book-Marked"
The Evening News, July 27, 1944
"Caught Yapping"
The Evening News, August 8, 1944
"Innocent Party"
The Evening News, August 21, 1944
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), September 25, 1951
"Fate's Witness"
The Evening News, September 14, 1944
"Through the Nose"
The Evening Chronicle (Newcastle upon Tyne), September 23, 1944
Truth (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), September 22, 1946
"Low Finance"
The Evening News, October 2, 1944
"Easy Feat"
The Evening News, October 16, 1944
"First Failure"
The Evening News, October 24, 1944
"On a Bit of String"
The Evening News, November 6, 1944
"Bye-Bye, Alibi"
The Evening News, November 28, 1944
"Off with the Snow"
The Evening News, December 8, 1944
"Pantomime Suit"
The Evening News, December 19, 1944
"Living the Part"
The Evening News, January 1, 1945
"Dear Uncle ..."
The Evening News, January 22, 1945
"Double Chance"
The Evening News, January 30, 1945
"One Good Turn"
The Evening News, February 12, 1945
"Family Man"
The Evening News, February 26, 1945
"Unrehearsed"
The Evening News, March 13, 1945
"Blessed to Give"
The Evening News, March 22, 1945
"Post Hasty"
The Evening News, April 10, 1945
"Not My Plaice"
The Evening News, April 24, 1945
"No Sale"
The Evening News, May 16, 1945
"Honours Even"
The Evening News, May 30, 1945
A reading of this short story was broadcast on the 3YC radio station in Christchurch, New
Zealand on May 27, 1973.
"No-Good Samaritan"
The Evening News, June 11, 1945
"Claws in the Contract"
The Evening News, June 25, 1945
"One-Act Player"
The Evening News, July 7, 1945
"Sitting Pretty"
The Evening News, August 1, 1945
"Lender's Luck"
The Evening News, August 15, 1945
"Storm in a Teapot"
The Evening News, September 3, 1945
"Back to Normal"
The Evening News, October 1, 1945
"Smash Hit"
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), October 12, 1945
This is a syndicated reprint of a short story that would have previously appeared in a
British periodical. I have not, to date, been able to identify the source publication.
"Date with Fortune"
The Evening News, October 27, 1945
The Evening Chronicle (Newcastle upon Tyne), November 24, 1945
"Double Event"
The Evening News, November 14, 1945
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), November 27, 1947
"Just His Type"
The Evening News, November 29, 1945
"She Done Him Wrong"
The Evening News, December 12, 1945
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), May 23, 1946
"Broken with Thanks"
The Evening News, January 2, 1946
"Coat Tale Catch"
The Evening News, January 14, 1946
"Friend in Deed"
The Evening News, January 28, 1946
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), August 6, 1946
"Prize Chump"
The Evening News, February 18, 1946
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Yes, Cook"
The Evening News, March 4, 1946
"Lay off, MacDuff"
The Evening News, March 25, 1946
"Think Again"
The Evening News, April 8, 1946
"Micawber Touch"
The Evening News, April 22, 1946
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), October 30, 1946
"Music Lesson"
The Evening News, May 4, 1946
Truth (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), July 28, 1946
"Out of Pocket Expenses"
The Evening News, May 20, 1946
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), July 27, 1946
"Stage Wise"
The Evening News, June 15, 1946
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), June 26, 1947
"£100 Turnover"
The Evening News, July 1, 1946
"Sauce for One"
The Evening News, July 22, 1946
"Well Done"
The Evening News, August 5, 1946
"Holiday Catch"
The Evening News, August 26, 1946
"Cover Note"
The Evening News, September 23, 1946
"He Made Them Laugh"
The Evening News, October 7, 1946
"Night-Life"
The Evening News, October 31, 1946
"Point of View"
The Evening News, November 16, 1946
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), February 3, 1947
"Grandma Knows Best"
The Evening News, November 27, 1946
The Lincolnshire Echo, February 19, 1947
The Hull Daily Mail, March 20, 1947
The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (New South Wales, Australia),
October 14, 1950
"All of a Jelly"
The Evening News, December 19, 1946
"Luck Bringer"
The Evening News, January 6, 1947
The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), April 23, 1949
"Fool Case"
The Evening News, January 23, 1947
"Screen Test"
The Evening News, February 7, 1947
"Public Figure"
The Evening News, February 19, 1947
The Edinburgh Evening News, October 25, 1947
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), November 13, 1951
"Just Her Luck"
The Evening News, March 12, 1947
"Show Man"
The Evening News, March 24, 1947
"Paid Out"
The Evening News, April 24, 1947
"Table Talk"
The Evening News, May 13, 1947
The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), May 9, 1950
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), December 4, 1951
"Music-Maker"
The Evening News, May 29, 1947
"Painted Out"
The Evening News, June 18, 1947
"Wise Boy"
The Evening News, June 30, 1947
The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), May 11, 1950
"No Laughing Matter"
The Evening News, August 18, 1947
"Lucky Man"
The Evening News, September 17, 1947
"The Right Thing"
The Sun (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), September 19, 1947
This is a syndicated reprint of a short story that would have previously appeared in a
British periodical. I have not, to date, been able to identify the source publication.
"Snookered"
The Evening News, September 29, 1947
"Lesson Time"
The Evening News, October 13, 1947
"Joke Over"
The Evening News, November 10, 1947
The Edinburgh Evening News, January 10, 1948
"Frame-Up"
The Evening News, December 3, 1947
"Clock Wise"
The Evening News, December 22, 1947
The Evening Chronicle (Newcastle upon Tyne), December 16, 1950
"For Those in Love"
The Evening News, January 12, 1948
"Costume Piece"
The Evening News, February 9, 1948
"Before the Event"
The Evening News, March 4, 1948
"Pane in the Neck"
The Evening News, March 29, 1948
"A Star Must Shine"
The Evening News, April 28, 1948
The Worcester Evening News & Times, April 1, 1949
" 'Green' Fingers"
The Evening News, May 24, 1948
The Worcester Evening News & Times, April 20, 1949
The Evening Chronicle (Newcastle upon Tyne), June 11, 1949
"Clown-Craft"
The Evening News, June 14, 1948
"Odds Against Her"
The Evening News, July 5, 1948
"For Richer?"
The Evening News, August 12, 1948
"Tip Taken"
The Evening News, August 31, 1948
The Evening Despatch (Birmingham), November 18, 1953
"Paid Debt"
The Evening News, September 20, 1948
The Lincolnshire Echo, July 11, 1949
The Evening Despatch (Birmingham), December 14, 1953
"Critical Jar"
The Evening News, October 4, 1948
The Lincolnshire Echo, May 30, 1949
"Surprise Item"
The Evening News, October 25, 1948
The Grimsby Evening Telegraph, October 22, 1949
"Mine, All Mine"
The Evening News, November 16, 1948
"Thank You, Poet"
The Evening News, December 9, 1948
"Happy Ever After"
The Evening News, January 4, 1949
"Personal Contact"
The Evening News, January 31, 1949
The Grimsby Evening Telegraph, August 6, 1949
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), November 18, 1949
"Last Portrait"
The Evening News, March 14, 1949
The Grimsby Evening Telegraph, August 20, 1949
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), November 9, 1949
"Off-Stage Effects"
The Evening News, April 11, 1949
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Chance Meeting"
The Evening News, May 6, 1949
The Grimsby Evening Telegraph, October 21, 1950
"Shoe'd Off"
The Evening News, May 31, 1949
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), January 25, 1950 (this
short story is reprinted here under the title "Shoe Business")
The Lincolnshire Echo, July 17, 1950
The Grimsby Evening Telegraph, November 4, 1950
"Took the Tip!"
The Sunday Sun (Newcastle upon Tyne), June 12, 1949
"Card-Sharpest"
The Evening News, July 2, 1949
The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), April 10, 1950 (this short story is
reprinted here under the title "Card Sharpers")
"Good-Buy Chair"
The Evening News, July 16, 1949
"Act One"
The Evening News, August 10, 1949
The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), April 4, 1950
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), March 20, 1951
"Cap Trick"
The Evening News, September 6, 1949
The Evening Despatch (Birmingham), January 22, 1954
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Double and Quit"
The Evening News, October 22, 1949
The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), March 8, 1950
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), June 5, 1951
The Evening Despatch (Birmingham), January 30, 1954
"Curtain Raiser"
The Evening News, November 15, 1949
"If the Coat Fits"
The Evening News, December 7, 1949
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), June 29, 1950
"Worm Gets the Bird"
The Evening News, January 7, 1950
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), June 24, 1950
"Personal Reappearance"
The Evening News, February 13, 1950
The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), August 15, 1950
The Lincolnshire Echo, August 20, 1951
"Return Date"
The Evening News, April 11, 1950
The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), June 27, 1950
The Lincolnshire Echo, May 21, 1951
"Beau for a Viola"
The Evening News, May 11, 1950
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), July 27, 1950
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"She Made It"
The Evening News, June 16, 1950
"The Way Out"
The Evening News, July 27, 1950
The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), October 4, 1950
The Evening Chronicle (Newcastle upon Tyne), February 24, 1951
"Small World"
The Evening News, September 11, 1950
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), November 22, 1950
The Evening Chronicle (Newcastle upon Tyne), August 18, 1951 (this short story is
reprinted here under the title "It's a Small World")
The Evening Despatch (Birmingham), July 6, 1954
The Liverpool Echo, July 3, 1956
"All You Wish Yourself"
The Evening News, October 2, 1950
The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), November 8, 1950
The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (New South Wales, Australia),
November 15, 1950
"Scene and Not Seen"
The Evening News, October 25, 1950
"Second Childhood"
The Evening News, November 30, 1950
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), July 19, 1951
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"He Went With a Bang"
The Evening News, December 21, 1950
"Right for the Part"
The Evening News, January 25, 1951
The Evening Chronicle (Newcastle upon Tyne), November 1, 1952
"Just in Case"
The Evening News, March 7, 1951
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), July 14, 1951
"She Bought It"
The Evening News, April 9, 1951
"Born to the Part"
The Evening News, May 9, 1951
"Not in the Contract"
The Evening News, June 2, 1951
"Just His Ticket"
The Evening News, June 29, 1951
"The Brother"
The Evening News, July 31, 1951
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), March 18, 1952
"Known to the Police"
The Evening News, August 20, 1951
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Type-Cast"
The Evening News, September 10, 1951
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Courtesy Build-Up"
The Evening News, October 8, 1951
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Retired List"
The Evening News, October 30, 1951
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), April 25, 1952
The Liverpool Echo, February 22, 1956
"Fog Bound"
The Evening News, November 30, 1951
"Charity Act"
The Evening News, December 19, 1951
"Case History"
The Evening News, January 15, 1952
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), April 1, 1952
The Evening Chronicle (Newcastle upon Tyne), March 26, 1953
The Liverpool Echo, April 26, 1956
"Out of the Picture"
The Evening News, February 11, 1952
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), January 6, 1953
The Liverpool Echo, May 15, 1956
"Easy Come ..."
The Evening News, March 14, 1952
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), June 26, 1952
The Lincolnshire Echo, October 5, 1953
"Know Any Riddles?"
The Evening News, April 8, 1952
The Lincolnshire Echo, April 6, 1953
"The Sèvres Plate"
A reading of this short story was broadcast by the BBC Light Programme as part of their
"Morning Story" radio show on April 17, 1952. The narrator was Ronald Simpson.
It was also aired on the 3YC radio station in Christchurch, New Zealand on November 21,
1971.
The Lady, No. 5103, March 31, 1983
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Comedy of Manners"
The Evening News, May 3, 1952
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), October 24, 1952
"On Trust"
The Evening News, June 7, 1952
"Career Girl"
The Evening News, July 3, 1952
"Never the Big-Time"
The Evening News, July 28, 1952
"Left Right"
The Evening News, August 15, 1952
"Matter of Sentiment"
The Evening News, September 9, 1952
"Mind the Carpet"
The Evening News, October 4, 1952
The Daily Mirror (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), November 25, 1952
"Talked into It"
The Evening News, October 25, 1952
"Feeling Better Now"
The Evening News, November 18, 1952
"What's it All About"
The Evening News, December 23, 1952
"Husband Makes Good"
The Evening News, January 7, 1953
"White Lie"
The Evening News, January 28, 1953
"Train of Thought"
The Evening News, February 21, 1953
"Room for Trouble"
The Evening News, April 6, 1953
"Job for Life"
The Evening News, May 2, 1953
The Liverpool Echo, April 27, 1957
"The Helping Hand"
The Evening News, May 23, 1953
"Line-Shooter"
The Evening News, June 17, 1953
"On Your Way, Chum"
The Evening News, July 7, 1953
"He Played His Part"
The Evening News, August 11, 1953
The Liverpool Echo, October 12, 1955
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Point of Etiquette"
The Evening News, August 28, 1953
The Liverpool Echo, October 15, 1955
"Tipped to Win"
The Evening News, October 3, 1953
"Extra Guest"
The Evening News, October 22, 1953
"She Got the Needle"
The Evening News, November 14, 1953
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Case Perfect"
The Evening News, December 2, 1953
"The Mood and the Song"
The Evening News, December 23, 1953
"Tables for Two"
The Evening News, January 14, 1954
The Lincolnshire Echo, July 12, 1954
The Age (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), March 24, 1955
"It Got on His Mind"
The Evening News, February 10, 1954
The Lincolnshire Echo, February 14, 1955
"She Should Laugh"
The Evening News, March 2, 1954
The Lincolnshire Echo, April 11, 1955
"Puzzle Completed"
The Evening News, March 30, 1954
"Joke Over"
The Evening News, April 24, 1954
Although this tale shares the same title as one that was published in the November 10,
1947 issue of The Evening News, I can confirm, having read both, that they are
not the same story.
"Party Piece"
The Evening News, May 14, 1954
" 'Thank You Very Much, Sir!' "
The Evening News, May 29, 1954
"Warned Off"
The Evening News, June 21, 1954
The Liverpool Echo, August 21, 1954
"We'll Be Back"
The Evening News, July 10, 1954
The Liverpool Echo, August 12, 1954
"Between Brothers"
The Evening News, July 26, 1954
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Cash or Kind"
The Evening News, August 7, 1954
"Plus Interest"
The Evening News, September 11, 1954
"Model Husband"
The Evening News, September 30, 1954
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Like Uncle, Like Nephew"
The Evening News, October 19, 1954
"Part Perfect"
The Evening News, November 11, 1954
The Liverpool Echo, January 12, 1956
The Lincolnshire Echo, February 20, 1956
"Hi Neighbour!"
The Evening News, December 6, 1954
The Lincolnshire Echo, October 31, 1955
"Thanks, Pal"
The Evening News, December 29, 1954
The Lincolnshire Echo, January 16, 1956
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Right on His Plate"
The Evening News, January 19, 1955
"Hat Trick"
The Evening News, February 8, 1955
The Liverpool Echo, October 24, 1955
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Abdel, He Say"
The Evening News, March 11, 1955
"Critic-Proof"
The Evening News, May 28, 1955
"Say it with Flowers"
The Evening News, July 25, 1955
"Lost Legend"
The Evening News, September 15, 1955
"Birthday Present"
The Evening News, October 15, 1955
"10s. Failure"
The Evening News, November 12, 1955
"Silver Lining"
The Evening News, December 17, 1955
The Lincolnshire Echo, November 26, 1956
The Liverpool Echo, April 13, 1957
"The Man in the Park"
The Evening News, January 10, 1956
The Lincolnshire Echo, July 9, 1956
"One Out of the Book"
The Evening News, January 26, 1956
The Lincolnshire Echo, November 19, 1956
"Wanted Man"
The Evening News, February 15, 1956
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Time to Play"
The Evening News, March 14, 1956
The Aberdeen Evening Express, July 6, 1957
The Lincolnshire Echo, June 23, 1958
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Repaint"
The Evening News, March 24, 1956
The Liverpool Echo, March 30, 1957 (this short story is reprinted here under the
title "The Repaint")
The Lincolnshire Echo, June 30, 1958
"Seat of the Trouble"
The Evening News, April 18, 1956
The Daily Mail, October 4, 1956
The Lincolnshire Echo, June 24, 1957
The Aberdeen Evening Express, September 21, 1957 (this short story is reprinted
here under the title "The Seat of All the Trouble")
"No Bid?"
The Evening News, April 30, 1956
The Lincolnshire Echo, May 13, 1957
The Aberdeen Evening Express, November 9, 1957
"Three's Company"
The Evening News, May 29, 1956
The Liverpool Echo, December 28, 1957
"He Took the Part"
The Evening News, June 13, 1956
The Lincolnshire Echo, November 10, 1958
"Viewpoint"
The Evening News, June 21, 1956
The Lincolnshire Echo, October 13, 1958
"When I'm Cleaning Windows"
The Liverpool Echo, June 22, 1956
"End to Come"
The Evening News, July 14, 1956
The Lincolnshire Echo, September 30, 1957
The Lincolnshire Echo, April 27, 1959
"Change of Cast"
The Evening News, August 4, 1956
The Lincolnshire Echo, October 7, 1957
The Lincolnshire Echo, May 18, 1959
"Build-Up"
The Evening News, August 21, 1956
The Lincolnshire Echo, December 9, 1957
The Lincolnshire Echo, May 4, 1959
"Swan Song"
The Evening News, August 31, 1956
The Lincolnshire Echo, October 28, 1957
The Lincolnshire Echo, May 11, 1959
"Very Truly Yours"
The Evening News, October 8, 1956
The Lincolnshire Echo, May 2, 1960
"Squared Meal"
The Evening News, October 20, 1956
The Lincolnshire Echo, March 21, 1960
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Early Morning Call"
The Evening News, November 9, 1956
"Brother Artist"
The Evening News, December 1, 1956
"Nerve Test"
The Evening News, January 10, 1957
"Forty Years On"
The Evening News, February 16, 1957
"It Makes You Think"
The Evening News, March 19, 1957
"She's a Case"
The Evening News, May 2, 1957
"Time to Collect"
The Evening News, July 11, 1957
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Curtain Up"
The Evening News, October 14, 1958
"Key Man"
The Evening News, February 5, 1959
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Hint Taken"
The Evening News, April 9, 1959
The Lincolnshire Echo, August 24, 1959
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Off for the Hols—I Hope"
The Evening News, August 3, 1959
"Alibi for One"
The Evening News, October 21, 1959
"Not Their Sort"
The Evening News, November 2, 1959
"Open Invitation"
The Evening News, November 19, 1959
The Lincolnshire Echo, September 12, 1960
"Shopped"
The Evening News, December 17, 1959
John Creasey Mystery Magazine, April 1965
"Voices Off"
The Evening News, January 20, 1960
The Lincolnshire Echo, June 5, 1961
"Where's the Fiddle?"
The Evening News, February 8, 1960
The Lincolnshire Echo, February 13, 1961
"Lost Illusion"
The Evening News, February 26, 1960
"You Can't Beat Money"
The Evening News, March 17, 1960
"Tried But True"
The Evening News, April 4, 1960
"Hi, Dad!"
The Evening News, April 11, 1960
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Just Like Auntie"
The Evening News, May 9, 1960
"Fares, Please!"
The Evening News, May 18, 1960
"Cupid's Dart"
The Evening News, July 15, 1960
"Not in the Script"
The Evening News, July 27, 1960
"He Struck the Right Note"
The Evening Herald (Dublin, Ireland), August 9, 1960
"Maggot of Doubt"
The Evening News, August 16, 1960
"Larger than Life"
The Evening News, September 9, 1960
"Off White"
The Evening News, September 17, 1960
"Settled Out of Court"
The Evening News, October 17, 1960
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
This tale shares the same title as one that was published in the April 18, 1925 issue of The
Sheffield Weekly Telegraph. I have not, to date, been able to ascertain whether this
is a reprint or a different story.
"Money Whispers"
The Evening News, October 29, 1960
"Sorry, Lady"
The Evening News, November 29, 1960
"Null and Void"
The Evening News, December 12, 1960
"Never Never"
The Evening News, January 9, 1961
"Happy Ending"
The Evening News, February 2, 1961
"Open Sesame"
The Evening News, February 22, 1961
"Well, They Tried"
The Evening News, March 18, 1961
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Please ..."
The Evening News, April 6, 1961
"Not My Line"
The Evening News, May 1, 1961
"Holiday Catch"
The Evening News, May 31, 1961
"Part-Time Detective"
The Evening News, August 3, 1961
The Liverpool Echo, August 11, 1961
"Enough Said"
The Evening News, August 23, 1961
The Liverpool Echo, August 28, 1961
"Headshrinking for Beginners"
The Evening News, October 30, 1961
"Screw Loose"
The Evening News, November 28, 1961
The Birmingham Evening Mail, February 5, 1963 (this short story is reprinted here
under the title "A Screw Loose")
A reading of this short story was broadcast on BBC Radio 2 as part of their "Morning
Story" feature on September 29, 1969. It was also aired on the 3YC radio station in
Christchurch, New Zealand on September 18, 1972.
"Trouble Shooter"
The Evening News, December 20, 1961
The Birmingham Evening Mail, April 8, 1963
" 'Tis Best We Part"
The Evening News, January 30, 1962
The Birmingham Evening Mail, May 11, 1963
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Lesson on the Fiddle"
The Evening News, February 28, 1962
The Birmingham Evening Mail, August 21, 1963
"Jennie Kissed Me"
The Evening News, March 24, 1962
The Birmingham Evening Mail, December 17, 1963
"Purse Proud"
The Evening News, April 16, 1962
The Birmingham Evening Mail, December 9, 1963 (this short story is reprinted here
under the title "Purse-Proud")
"Take Your Pick"
The Evening News, June 12, 1962
The Birmingham Evening Mail, September 29, 1964
"That's Her Lot"
The Evening News, July 3, 1962
"He Told His Wife"
The Evening News, August 18, 1962
"Fatal Coincidence"
John Creasey Mystery Magazine, September 1962
This short story is quite likely to be a reprint of a tale that previously appeared in
another periodical. I have not, to date, been unable to identify the source publication.
"Cheap at the Price"
The Evening News, September 15, 1962
"Rigged Fortune"
The Evening News, October 6, 1962
"Straight Fiddle"
The Evening News, November 19, 1962
"She Got Her Man"
The Evening News, January 2, 1963
"He Learnt His Lesson"
The Evening News, January 26, 1963
"This Way Out"
The Evening News, March 18, 1963
"Artistic Touch"
The Evening News, April 19, 1963
"Never Take Umbrage"
The Evening News, June 1, 1963
"Boy Meets Girl"
The Evening News, June 22, 1963
"What Am I Bid?"
The Evening News, July 16, 1963
"Copper's Luck"
The Evening News, August 12, 1963
"One Good Turn"
The Evening News, August 26, 1963
"Mantel of Night"
The Evening News, September 24, 1963
"Can You See These Bus Numbers?"
The Evening News, October 12, 1963
"Why Pick on Me?"
The Evening News, November 11, 1963
"Hand in the Till"
The Evening News, January 17, 1964
"And What's Yours?"
The Evening News, February 11, 1964
"Two Ha'pennies for a Penny"
The Evening News, March 9, 1964
"Marriage Guide"
The Evening News, April 16, 1964
"Sleep Well?"
The Evening News, May 15, 1964
"Head of the Family"
The Evening News, June 6, 1964
"We Might Meet Again"
The Evening News, July 20, 1964
"Expect an Arrest"
The Evening News, August 15, 1964
"Pr*xy Date"
The Evening News, September 22, 1964
The asterisk in the story title is due to an issue with the website host not liking that
word. I trust those reading this can guess what the word is!
"She Taught Him to Forget"
The Evening News, October 29, 1964
"It Really Shouldn't"
The Evening News, November 28, 1964
"As Long As She Wins"
The Evening News, January 4, 1965
"What's the Angle?"
The Evening News, February 6, 1965
"Only Yourself to Blame"
The Evening News, April 9, 1965
"No Thanks to Gossip"
The Evening News, May 18, 1965
"I Should Worry"
The Evening News, June 7, 1965
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Another Funny Thing"
The Evening News, July 3, 1965
"They Done Her Right"
The Evening News, September 18, 1965
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"That's My Girl"
The Evening News, October 9, 1965
A reading of this short story was given on the radio by the Australian Broadcasting
Corporation on February 4, 1972..
"Just Sign for It"
The Evening News, November 18, 1965
"Bent Straight"
The Evening News, January 8, 1966
"Clocked"
The Evening News, March 7, 1966
The Birmingham Evening Mail, November 9, 1966
"Why Blame Me?"
The Evening News, April 4, 1966
The Birmingham Evening Mail, September 21, 1966
"They Really Are"
The Evening News, May 23, 1966
The Birmingham Evening Mail, June 13, 1966
"May I Look Inside?"
The Evening News, June 22, 1966
The Birmingham Evening Mail, August 12, 1966
"The Strength of It Was ..."
The Evening News, August 4, 1966
The Birmingham Evening Mail, November 11, 1966
"No Friend of Mine"
The Evening News, August 30, 1966
The Birmingham Evening Mail, October 19, 1966
The Manchester Evening News, December 31, 1966
"Bagged"
The Evening News, October 22, 1966
The Birmingham Evening Mail, November 30, 1966
"Too Bent to Believe"
The Evening News, November 22, 1966
"No Flutter on Firefly"
The Manchester Evening News, December 8, 1966
"No Fault of Mine"
The Evening News, December 21, 1966
The Birmingham Evening Mail, January 16, 1967
"Affectionately Hers"
The Evening News, February 4, 1967
The Birmingham Evening Mail, July 5, 1967
"The Night They Met"
The Evening News, May 1, 1967
The Birmingham Evening Mail, July 6, 1967
The Birmingham Evening Mail, January 29, 1969 (this short story is reprinted here
under the title "Night They Met")
"What's He Got?"
The Evening News, July 24, 1967
The Birmingham Evening Mail, October 12, 1967
"Just Plead Guilty ..."
The Evening News, September 4, 1967
"Left Luggage"
The Evening News, November 8, 1967
"He Bought It"
The Evening News, November 30, 1967
"Open and Shut"
The Evening News, January 18, 1968
The Birmingham Evening Mail, May 16, 1968
"Star Turn"
The Evening News, March 11, 1968
"Jump My Way, Dear"
The Evening News, April 17, 1968
The Birmingham Evening Mail, August 1, 1968
"Big Moment"
The Evening News, August 20, 1968
The Birmingham Evening Mail, January 15, 1969
"Just Friends"
The Evening News, January 18, 1969
The Birmingham Evening Mail, April 1, 1969
"Just Not Their Day"
Parade, May 24, 1969
"The Samaritan Bit"
The Evening News, August 8, 1969
"He Liked Her Talents"
Parade, September 13, 1969
"Just Like Mum"
The Evening News, March 11, 1970
"Get Him—Cold"
The Evening News, May 4, 1970
"Two-Timer"
The Evening News, August 5, 1970
"Sign Language"
Weekend, No. 3423, September 30—October 6, 1970
The Australian Women's Weekly, March 24, 1971
"Solo Performance"
The Evening News, December 14, 1970
"As Per Schedule"
The Evening News, February 24, 1971
This tale shares the same title as one that was published in the May 5, 1934 issue of The
Sheffield Weekly Telegraph. I have not, to date, been able to ascertain whether this
is a reprint or a different story.
"I Did My Best"
The Evening News, May 20, 1971
"Just the Job"
The Evening News, July 20, 1971
"Alibi for 1"
Tit-Bits, No. 4457, August 14, 1971
This tale shares the same title as one that was published in the October 21, 1959 issue of
The Evening News. I have not, to date, been able to ascertain whether this is a
reprint or a different story.
"The Venetian Glass Candlestick"
A reading of this short story was broadcast on the 3YC radio station in Christchurch, New
Zealand on September 5, 1971. The provenance of this tale is unknown to me at the time of
writing. It almost certainly would have appeared in print somewhere beforehand.
"No Answer"
The Evening News, October 5, 1971
"Murder, She Said"
Tit-Bits, No. 4469, November 6, 1971
"The Backslider"
The Evening News, February 2, 1972
"Poor Young Will"
A reading of this short story was given on the radio by the Australia Broadcasting
Corporation on March 3, 1972. The provenance of this tale is unknown to me at the time of
writing. It almost certainly would have appeared in print somewhere beforehand.
"For Those in Love"
The Evening News, April 25, 1972
"Man for the Job"
Tit-Bits, No. 4499, June 3, 1972
"Locked Room"
The Evening News, August 16, 1972
"Set-up for Murder"
The Evening News, December 6, 1972
"Lesson in Crime"
The Evening News, March 15, 1973
"Lucky Dip"
Tit-Bits, No. 4545, April 12-18, 1973
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
"Case Hardened"
The Evening News, June 2, 1973
"The Jeweller Who Sold Out"
The Evening News, November 9, 1973
"The Knife"
The Evening News, January 22, 1974
"The Legatee"
The Evening News, April 23, 1974
"Safe Secret"
The Evening News, August 1, 1974
"Cured!"
Tit-Bits, No. 4637, January 23-29, 1975
"Fill Up With Temptation"
The Evening News, May 1, 1975
"A Fair Swap"
Tit-Bits, No. 4652, May 8-14, 1975
"The Day They Tried to Con Honest Herbert"
The Evening News, July 7, 1975
"The Wife Who Was Jealous of the Birds"
The Evening News, November 21, 1975
"A Pick-up on the Road to Dreams"
The Evening News, February 19, 1976
"Just One Bullet Left for the Last Act"
The Evening News, May 12, 1976
"Mother Knows Best About Family Affairs"
The Evening News, August 3, 1976
"The Dream that Just Sailed Away"
The Evening News, September 22, 1976
"A Passport to Love"
The Evening News, November 22, 1976
"Norman's Dream Fades into the Night ..."
The Evening News, March 31, 1977
"Just a Born Womaniser"
The Evening News, June 1, 1977
"Now, You Don't Really Think You Can Fool Me, Do You ...?"
The Evening News, August 9, 1977
"A Nice Little Number on a Very Busy Line"
The Evening News, November 21, 1977
"Ale and Farewell"
Weekend, No. 3810, March 8-14, 1978
"Bench for Two"
The Evening News, June 2, 1978
"Burglary is Good For You!"
The Evening News, October 2, 1978
"Never Lie About a Lady"
The Evening News, February 6, 1979
"On the Scent of an Affair"
The Evening News, July 30, 1979
"Fighting Mad"
The Evening News, December 14, 1979
"Old Man on War"
Stand, Vol. 23, No. 1, 1981
But Mostly Laughter, ed. I. & Sheila Payne, Queenscourt Publishing, 1990
This is, I believe, an article wherein Feakes relates an experience he had at sea during
the First World War. The incident in question involved the Royal Navy ship, on which he
was working as a telegraphist, being torpedoed in the North Sea during 1918. He was one of
only nine survivors to be rescued.
"Bang, You're Dead"
A stage adaptation of this humorous story by Feakes was performed in a production entitled
Take Three that was given by a group of actors called "The Magpies" at
the Mascalls School in Paddock Wood, Kent on May 20 and 21, 1988. The provenance of this
tale is unknown to me at the time of writing. It may well have appeared in print somewhere
beforehand.
Sources and Acknowledgments:
In the process of compiling this bibliography, as well as referring to my own
collection of literature and the research I have done at the British Library Newspaper
Library, a number of online sources were consulted, not the least of which was Philip
Stephensen-Payne's Galactic Central
website, the home of William G. Contento's Fictionmags Index. A special thank you to
Morgan Wallace for his outstanding genealogical research on William George Payne and for
locating short stories that were previously unknown to me.
Illustration in The Evening News for the short story "Only Yourself
to Blame".
Addenda:
Please note that in the Short Stories
section of this webpage, The Evening News and The Star refer to the
London evening newspapers that bore those titles and The Evening Standard to the
London evening newspaper that is still with us today.
In addition to "Old Man on War" (I believe this to be a factual account based on
a real life event in the author's life), the only other article I have been able to
identify by Feakes is "O. Henry—50 Years On",
which appeared in the June 2, 1960 issue of John O' London's magazine.
For those wishing to know more about this author, a short biographical sketch I wrote for
him can be read here.
It was while researching the history of short fiction in The Evening News that I
discovered and fell in love with Feakes' stories.
Email: marks3789@gmail.com
Copyright © 2025 Richard Simms