THE PENNY POSTAGE.

Otaki Mail, 10 December 1923, Page 3

THE PENNY POSTAGE.

Let others sing the Ago of Rome, of Persia, or of Greece, Of Caesar, Cyrus, or the days, when men sheared golden fleece; I'll leave the ancients where they arc, and in these simple rhymes, I'll praise the Penny Post-age, as the pride of modern times. And I'll 'extol those Ministers, whose penetrating mind, Such measures for the public good hath even dared to find; In spite of Tories, who have shewn the world in this debate, l'liey had not Grains of sense enough to make a Penny-weight. Professions, trades, mechanics, men of all degrees and ranks, i Except, perhaps, those few who loved to see their names in franks), Agree that never measure gave such heart-felt joy to all; Compared with this the greatest act; must be accounted small. The lawyer, if an honest man (the which is seldom found, And thought a rata avis when 'tis seen on British ground), Xo longer charges "postage," now) the saving bill is passed. But by the letter of" the law, he holds his conscience fast. In medicine, too, the case is clear: — The Doctor makes his call, Says he —"This Penny Post will bring a draught of joy to all." The Reverend Divine who feels his sermons growing stale, Informs his friend, and thus his state does piteously bewail — "Dear beloved brother. I have preached these sermons te my flock So often that I fear they know howlimited my stock. We can 't object to postage now—and if you don't dislike To come to forms of Stock Exchange, a bargain we will strike, Your sermons must be growing old—we'll have a transfer day, Send yours each week, and you'll have mine at mutual Penny Pay." And (strange anomaly of things) the lover now draws near. And owns that letters are so cheap, it makes them doubly dear; And pensively he pens the strain, "Jo pense a vous sans eesse;" Ah! who thnt reads those words will fail the pennyworth to bless. The literary man who loves in learning's path to walk, And makes belles lettres and the arts his common table-talk. Regards tlie Postage Act. and cries. "enough!" I am at peace; i'he Hill of learning rears its head, and letters must increase. In truth, no mortal pen may tell the wisdom of this scheme For which our thanks to Ministers are ever due, we deem. —"Norwich Mercury."