“SONGS OF A CAMPAIGN”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 26, 22 April 1927, Page 9

“SONGS OF A CAMPAIGN”

Literary ambition is steadily infecting the candidates for the mayoralty. Mrs. Schmidt started it with her vers libre, which may be collected under the title of “Songs of a Campaign," and now it is quite probable that the spring list of some notable publishing firm will contain this: “The Merry Tales of Tom Bloodworth.” or “Things Seen Behind the Scenes,” by a master of paradox and metaphor, being a collection of brilliant stories about his stirring fight for the Mayoralty of Auckland (N.Z.)” In case you should think that this is all pure romancing with no basis of fact we give the words of the potential fusitala as evidence. Last evening at Ponsonby Mr. Bloodworth said “there have been so many humorours incidents already that, after the campaign is over I think I will write a book.’’ Straws show which way the wind blows, and this is clear evidence that the candidate is infected by the germ of literary ambition. Two samples he then gave of the merry stories and this was the manner of telling. This first we shall sub-title:

“WHY THE CANVASSER WENT" “Now I live in Parnell, but 1 don’t have a brass plate on the door or anything to announce my residence. Religiously I have refused to have a telephone to avoid being called up. Well, my wife, who has been through several campaigns with me and knows the run of the ropes, was in when a man called. • “ Tm coming round on behalf of Mr. Baildon,’ said he. “ ‘Oh‘, said Mrs. Bloodworth. “ ‘lf you haven’t promised your vote to anyone else will you give it to Mr. Baildon?” asked the man. “’But what about Mr. Warnock?* countered the lady, who was appreciating the position. “ ‘Now, look here, every vote you give for him goes to extreme labour!’ declared the canvasser. “ ‘What do you mean by extreme labour?* " ‘Oh, there’s that Bloodworth fellow who lives round here somewhere.’ “After my wife had enjoyed the conversation for a few more minutes,” said the candidate, “she said, Tm sorry to have to stop you. but my husband happens to be that fellow Bloodworth.’’ The canvasser left with many apologies and I don’t think that mistake will be made again.” The second story has a telling brevity. Let us call it: “OFFICE TO LET" ‘ My friend Baildon has hired a'shop as a committee room up near where I hve. i haVe no objection of course. Re has probably got a temporary lease °* the place. In the window all his Posters “Vote for Baildon” have been Placed round another notice which re ads, ‘Office To Let’.”