THE FREEDOM OF THE SEAL.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 94, 12 June 1877, Page 3

THE FREEDOM OF THE SEAL.

'Tis not right that to oblivion great events should be consigned, While things of lesser interest public record seem to find; We're told how some foundation stone is laid—some Board of Trust, Is formed—or else we read about some high officials' bust; What interest have these compared with the thrill of pride we'd feel, In reading how our own lord mayor gave "the freedom of the seal." The civic nine had met as they had often done before, And bulging with importance, sat the mayor of Akaroa; They spoke subdued whispers, watched the features of their chief, That something was impending was the general belief; And when suspense was highest, his worship slowly rose — Put one hand in his pocket, cleared his throat, and blew his nose— Fellow-Councillors, said he,'tis my proudest hour I feel, See yonder box! well, in it, lies our glorious Borough seal! Then the Councillors wept tears of joy, shook one anothers hand, And said they'd left old England for a far superior land. When order was restored again, his worship then resumed, That box and seal are sacred to this Council I've presumed ; I've contrived that solely to yourselves, its use restricted be, With pleasure then to each I now, present a private key. With shouts and cheers the chamber rang, as each the key received, They said such liberality could scarcely be . believed. The Town Clerk smiled derisively—and joined not in the glee, He felt himself an injured man— He had no private Icey.