SELECTED POETRY.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume V, Issue 436, 24 September 1880, Page 3

SELECTED POETRY.

RETRENCHMENT!

The session it was closing fast, When through the lobby quickly passed The Major, Oliver and Bryce, All brimful with a new deviceRetrenchment!

"My foot is on my native heath," -;- r The Major ciied, and looked beneath His battered beaver ; many a tongue Caught up the strange, wild notes hfc sung, ■v. ? * Retrenchment!

In many a toiler's home that night He knew full well that tin was tight ; He whispered in an under tone— " What matter though the Greyites groan— Retrenchment!'

"Try not that dodgo," a colleague said, " Don't rob the toiler of his bread ; Tnke lime at least 'fore yoi; decide ;" But loud that clarion voien replied—' " Retrenchment 1"

" Oh, wait a while, you do but jest," A member said ;' '• just take a rest." A leer stood in the Major's eye— "The railway hands are paid too high— Retrenchment 1 ''

•-Beware the brakesman on each branch." "Though Greyites rolled an avalanche Of foul abuse, Tmean to fight;' The railway hands shall feel my might— Retrenchment!"

His own and Dicky's hearts wore hard ; They crushed each porter, clerk, and

guard, They would not listen to the prayer Of those who had no cash to spare— > ..■ Retrenchment!

But, never mind, for I'll be bound - Their end next Session will ,come round ; The Major, Oliver, and Bryce, And Hall that bore that ttrange device— i■■ ■ ' ' 'Retrenchment!

The working men will stick to' Grey. " A fair day's work for fair day's pay!" This is our motto near and far, In workshop and in railway car— Retrenchment! FRANK FUDGE. — Saturday Advertiser. 1 /.'■