ELOCUTIONARY COMPETITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 January 1927, Page 4

ELOCUTIONARY COMPETITION.

The following is the lest selection for the open class for senior girl scholars and young ladies at the February competition. THE TRUE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. Now look here, wife, this Christmastime. Pin rather short of cash. And we must out out all the frills and buy no useless trash ; Those pitiful mementoes that you like to send vour friends Are only junk, and money’s needed for more useful ends. •Just look at this gold wristlet watch I’ve bought tny office girl. And this nice bracelet for the typist**— Isn’t it a pearl ? When money’s going out like this T'm sure you’ll realise That you must do your little bit to help economise. I’ve got a big surprise for Bill—lie’s far too old for toys. And doesn’t want a lot of playthings like the other hoys. You know that football jersey and the cap T used to wear. They’re rather worn and faded, Tmt that’s neither bore nor there ; I’ll give him those, and when he sees bis dad's new summer suit. Or that lovely bowling blazer, he’ll know l spent the “ hoot ” More wisely than on cricket hats or buying wireless sets— In any case lie’ll have to ho content with what he gets.

And Mnisie—she’s a decent kid. T thought you might arrange To let her have a pair of your old garters for a change. I’d really like to buy her gloves nr p’raps some silken socks. But, she will know her poor old dad is nearly “ on the rocks ” ; Tf she could only see the tips I passed around the staff She’d take whatever she could get with sympathetic laugh. T’ll tell you what—a happy thought—T know she loves a ioke. T’ll give her some of my cigars so she can wateli me smoke. About yourself—l know that you have lots of common sense, And wouldn’t like to worry me with trouble and expense; Between ourselves this Christmas gift is nothing but a frost—■ Tt takes the charm from sentiment if we must count the cost. I know that all you have is mine, and you know what I’m worth— What's that you say? “Too right!” and “I’m the meanest man on earth!” And " If I do not come to light there’ll be the deuce to pay! ” I’m disappointed; “peace on earth” should rule a Christmas Day. Tn addition there will lie another section: Own selection from any female character in Shakespeare.