ORIGINAL VERSE.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1917, Page 6

ORIGINAL VERSE.

THE LAST LAP. Three weary years of fighting. FMiting on at Freedom's call. We've fought and bled and suffered, Putting duty over all. We've made some awful blunders, Yet have weathered every squall; ?or Britons ever fight the best With backs against tlie wall. Three years of awful warfare, Whilst blood's been shed like ra'ro, And right throughout the Empire We suffered grief and pain; Yet we still keep pushing onward # To that goal we have in sight, That's to give the world for evermore Freedom, Justice, Peace, and Right. Three awful years of bloodshed, On land and on the sea, /We're living all we hold most dear For our future liberty; And we know now if we weaken, If we slacken in the least, That the Holienzolleru vulture Will be ready for the feast. Three weary years of fighting, And the end seems far away. Yet still we're pushing forward In the good old British way; For we feel we're slowly winning, In the dark clouds see a gap, And know that now we've entered, The last and final lap. So whether we are fit to fight, Or work upon the land. Let everyone for duty's sake Put forth a helping hand. With this firm and steadfast purpose, Now that we can see the gap, To help our brave and gallant lads Win the last and final lap. "H.J.E.," Koru.