The "Sowser."

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume XLV, Issue XLV, 31 August 1917, Page 3

The "Sowser."

Discovered by Mr Isitt, M. P. Wellington, August 23. I Apparently goaded by the frequent use of the word "wowser" in Parliament, where language is only supposed to be dignified, Mr Isitt coined a newterm in the House last night for application to certain patriots (writes a Press representative). "Sowser" was the term appliei, and the hon. member for Christchurch North proceeded to describe the habits and customs and persons who, he claimed, merit the definition. The "sowser" worships at the shrine of four gods—drink, gambling, pleasure, and display. The sowser was half animal and half a man. He was patriotic and loyal, but, while he loved his country, he loved his stomach better. Then the "sowser" wa3 a somewhat vain animal —in fact, he was deluded into the idea thac one can make a silk purse out of a "sowser's ear." The "sowser" was also distinguishable for his implacable hatred of the "wowser," and manifested this on various occasions in porkine groans. The "sowser," farther, was given to quoting poetry, having a particular weakness for Burns, which be quoted so long as it suited him.