The Lay of a Sewell Street Denizen

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1930, Page 2

The Lay of a Sewell Street Denizen

(TO THE CIVIC COUNCILLORS.) I want, a drain, I’ve written to the Counoil to explain My pressing need But do they heed my plsa? Not they. To everyone excepting me They’ve granted this or that—a bridge, a road, A footpath; but no word of mine can goad That moribund, fat,-headed Council yet To give me what I have a right get. Why do I pay mv rates? Why do I vote ? Does our Town Council take me for a goat? I’ll show them that my vote is not in vain, I want a drain. Financial stress, Oh, yes, I’ve read about it in the press, Big issues? Urgent measures? yes, I know The country's credit’s getting pretty low. We’ve got to pull together, Yes } of course; And tackle all this trouble at its source, But that won’t get my drain, I’ve got the right To have a drain, And T am in this fight To show those shrinking tricksters pretty plain I want a drain, Give me my drain, Why. every time we get a bit of rain Flood waters come and .... Oh, dont babble rot What do I care who tells the country what? Debts ? Interest? Loans? You’re talking thro’ your hat. The politicians can attend to that. Don’t we pay taxes? Can’t you undertand I want a drain beside my bit of land ? A drain, not promises. They’ve, lured me on, And here’s another winter come and gone And those flood waters. . . . look, can’t you talk sense? Trade balance my eye; You’re pretty dense. This issue makes your silly blither vain. I want a drain! —Excerpted.