A Wheen Thochts

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 2, 14 April 1894, Page 5

A Wheen Thochts

[By “ Scotch Thistle.”] Now that the thundering and trumpeting of the licensing elections have roared and died away, I daresay a still small voice is whispering within many of us—“ Is the game worth the candle P Are the bare bones that the prohibition camp are feasting upon worth all the feverish excitement and public expense that have been incurred ?” I hardly think •o, neither do I think it wise to attempt to prohibit the use of anything that is good in itself. However, let that pass ; it is always refreshing to know that for three more years we shall smell the air of freedom and whisky ! For the benefit of my fellow-mortals, who are for forcing a royal road to perfection, instead of the miry one of patient example, I send you an old song of Heave’s, that I hope you will insert:— I’m very fond of water, I drink it north and night ; Not Rechab’s son or daughter Had therein more delight. I breakfast on it daily, and nectar it doth seem, When once I’ve mixed it gaily, with sugar and with cream; But I forgot to mention, that in it first I see Infused, or in suspension, good Mocha or Bohea. At luncheon, too, I drink it, and strength it seems to bring; When really good, I think it a liquor for a king ; But I forgot to mention—’tis best to be sincere— I use an old invention that turns it into beer. I drink it, too, at dinner; I quaff it full and free, And find, as I’m a sinner, it doth not disagree ; But I forgot to mention —as thus I sit and dine— To obviate distension, join I some sherry wine. And then, when dinner’s over and business far away, I fc feel myself in clover, and sip my eau ■sucree. But I forgot to mention, to give the glass a smack, I add, with due attention, Glenlivet or cognac. At last, when evening closes, with something nice to eat, The best of sleeping doses in water still I meet. But I forgot to mention —I think it not a sin, To cheer the day’s declension by pouring in some gin. Chorus— I’m very fond of water ; It ever must delight Each mother’s son and daughter— When qualified aright.

If these notes should meet the eye of the respected M.H.R. for Invercargill, I would suggest to him to kick at the shins of those responsible for the appointing of outside returning officers at elections. In most cases the man appointed is one accustomed to the cushioned pew and cent, per cent; and seeing the duties require honesty, more than any expert knowledge, I see no reason why the toiler should be so much boycotted. And, while he is at it, he might ask the reason for the different rates allowed to juries and witnesses in courts of justice. Ido not wish open therfquestion of equal payment ait all times, but 1 think that in a court of justice it would be well to build, more on the chief corner stone of j ustice—equal payment for equal services.

I do not know, Mr Editor, whether you hail from the Land o’ Cakes and brither Scots or not. If you do not*, it is your misfortune —not your fault. But there is one thing evident—that is that your esteemed correspondent “Vox ” has smelt the heather, andX see in one of his notes that he takes Civis to task for his want of appreciation of the Doric. I quite agree with “Vox ” in his criticism, only he appears to over-estimate his opponent. When one compares the Civis of today with the Civis of ten years ago, he is apt to exclaim, “ Alas! alas ! how are the mighty fallen!” The former Civis, to quote Burns, “hack’d to teach : ” the latter day Civis simply mangles to expose.