ORIGINAL POETRY.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume IV, Issue 181, 1 July 1864, Page 3

ORIGINAL POETRY.

THE MODERN MAORI CLERGYMAN. Am,—The Fine Ohl English Gentleman, [date. I’ll toll you a veritable narrative, of a somewhat recent Of a strapping Maori clergyman, who sheep-fanned Church estate, Who stocked his far-famed lands with sheep of pedigree llrst-r.it e. With cattle, too, and prize-bred hulls, that grazed about his gate: Like a strapping Maori clergyman, one of the modern time. His place wiis ealledjthe “ College,” and ’twas not long ere it rose To find repute among cadets who just did what they chose. ’Twas here “ his Reverence" sate in state, in choker and black clothes, If cool ho went out stock-hunting; if hot took calm repose, Like a wealthy Maori clergyman, &c„ In Summer time at shearing, his shed was ope to all, “ Competition’s generous rivalry will make the prices fall.” Nor was a shearer ever heard to thank him for a “haU.” “ With grog they’d only cut the sheep, such acts we must forestall” Like a pnident Maori clergyman, &c. But runs tho’ large have limits, and sheep so soon increase, Autumn was dry, without ado, he signed th’ “ Apostles’ ” lease, Drove wethers on the people’s plains, and laughed at them for geese, Said ho, “ They’ll heat the College lands for carcase or for llcecc,” Like a knowing Maori clergyman, &c. “But sheep and cattle they may die, and Maories pass away, These lands ice'ce got, ice'll slick to ’em, let men growl as they may. Leave all to mo, a trick or two is all I want to play, Tho General Government ijall my eye, l’ih pledged to win the day— Like a genuine modern clergyman, I hold the Maori sway. “ In olden days I made my • pile’ by selling Auckland beef, (Tho Columbine my vessel was, Jim Tautari my chief.) The ■ squatting parson’ now I am, which gives my mind relief, A line estate near Napier’s mine, when niggers go to grief. (Ha I ha!) Who wouldn’t be a clergyman, &c. ? “ Beef paid me well at one bob tho pound, but I prefer the ‘ School,” For I lease the Maori run adjoined, and you’ll think me rather cool. I’ve registered it in my manager's name—don’t take me for a fool. The Trustees of the ‘ School’ property shall not make a tool Of tho model farming eleryman, one of the modern School. “ I preached a lot of cant about the Taranaki war, I used to rant from house to house—became a rcg’lar boro, The British Lion now is roused at tales of clotted gore, Therefore 1 can’t repeat the dose in eightcon-si.vty-four Like a holy Church Missionary of spirit meek and poorl “ Indeed, I’ve launched out boldly like tho rest of the holy band, I’ve nailed my colors to tho mast, the vessel shaU not strand, My house it hath foundations deep, ’tis not built on tho sand, And faint hearts in yon Napier town with cowardice I’ll brand, Like a Missionary clergyman, lord of the Maori land. “ This CONFISCATION’s hut a dodge, as everybody knows, To get possession of tho plains, which on principle I’ll oppose, Who takes to fighting this high priest look out for a bloody nose. 1 fear no Southern clique so far as agitation goes, Like a saintly Christian clergyman, a foe to Maori foes. "So lot us strive, Apostles bold, the niggers’ souls to win, To save these first, proves, in the end, a saving of our tin, Rejoice that, while their land wo take, we’ve ta’en the people in, Ridden rough shod o’er their Council, and laughed to scorn their din— Like an enterprising clergyman, th’ Apostolic whipper-in.” Communicated.