CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 450, 18 February 1909, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

[TO THE EDITOR.)

Sir, —In a recent issue of the Dominion appeared a screed, somewhat personal, from a Foxton scxibe who signed himself “ Phlackstique ” —strike the lyre, I ieel the muse:—

The slow, sad river sinuously wound Where first the subject of these ryhmes was born. Past verdurous reaches of deep bushclad ground To where the twinkling ocean smiled

at morn, In the seclusion of a flax-bush thick He grew ; his name just plain “ Flaxstick.” ’Tis sad how simple natures oftimes spoil Under the influence of Mammon’s lure. The pot of commerce now commenced

to boil, That fortunes lay in flax, all men were

sure. Our hero’s value rose exceeding quick, “ I’m worth a mighty lot,” remarked “ Flaxstick.” He turned Conservative without a word. Why not, since Royalty his worth in-

creased ? Pride made his plain old name seem quite absurd. From his old way of spelling it he

ceased. “ This Union rabble really makes me sick, “ They’re no fit company for me—- ‘ Phlackstique’.” Alas! The summer came and dried

him up, And cutters, in the intervals of toil, Wanting the non-inebriating cup, Used him to make a sooty billy boil! “ This tire won’t go,” quoth Tommy unto Mick, “ Chuck us that koradi —that dry ‘ Flax-stick.’ ” L’Envoi.

“ Phacklastique ” beware ! Though no doubt meaning well, You know the road that good intentions pave. That you’re now green, your recent writings tell, Keep verdant, and your bacon you may save. When you dry up, there’s not the slightest doubt You’ll add more fuel to the fire you wish put out. Te Arawa.