Our Contributors.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume V, Issue 462, 24 December 1880, Page 2

Our Contributors.

THE SUNDOWNER'S SWAG.

"Glorious and beautiful: Hahns, ring the bell." — Ancient Xmas Carol, Will. I? Won't I, rather, some, muchly, etc.—(to bo continued in our next). Yes, Mr Editor ; to oblige you, I will soberise sufficiently as to do the seasonable complimentary to the supporters of this journal. Bowers Joe, hold my jumper while I roll up preparatory to wading in. Chappell following Piper, and your band of discord producers, play up spiritedly. Brother Snorey, lead the psalmody forth. Galdleish, jettison and pound mo, if I hadn't almost forgotten you, your corps shall find the gas. James, Dear Gossip, " cry aloud and shout " in McG. crooked, with variations on old Bob Ridley, Hyms on offices, Black-Brown-Bruco with the seal. Chief-trumpeter Dux, blow a ranger's blast; " Cringle T.," take the back seat. «Venus," dearest and sweetest, roll up the curtain to slow music. " A clear stage and no favor," ladies and gentlemen ; for, to quote the poet " Asbestos " —

" I'm called old Jack Sundowner, Drunken J. Sundowner; .—.Oh, T could never tell why : But still I'm called Sundowner, Frowsy old Sundowner, Disreputable Sundowner I!" "So much for Buckingham "; that's mo as I "used to wos."

My dear patrons and readers of The Mail, on behalf of the proprietors of this journal I have to thank you for favors received, and to solicit your continued patronage and support. We have, during the present year, had many difficulties to contend against, rancour to subdue, and asperities to soften; but, during the whole of our journalistic career, we can honestly and fearlessly state that we have never "set down aught in malice." As we have done in the past, so do we intend to act in the future— " For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do," So much for ourselves. Now, to you ladies and gentlemen, we have great pleasure in wishing you, individually and collectively, health to enjoy A HAPPY CHRISTMAS ' AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR! To quote Eliza Cook :— " Tin's is the time when the gray old man Leaps back to the days of youth ; When brows and eyes wear no disguise, But flush and gleam with truth." And now, as Father Cooper would say, one word in conclusion, and this is of a personal nature. I am not egotistical enough as to suppose that you care particularly for the bosh which I have, at odd times,' scribbled for this journal. You may hear from me occasionally, but it will be at uncertain intervals. lam a cosmopolitan j my present quarters being at Waikouaiti, my next may b3—in gaol, who knows ? Time, and tangling up liquors injudiciously mixed, will prove. Well, kind readers, we must part with what Pollok called—

" The bitter word which clo&ed all earthly friendships, And finished every feast of love—

Farewell !"