AN OLD SETTLER'S LAMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1198, 1 July 1884, Page 3

AN OLD SETTLER'S LAMENT.

Id the following lines, "OldCockey" —evidently a very old settler -gives vent to the feelings aroused in his manly breast by the probability of Sir Julius Vogel again obtaining * Beat in the House of Representatives, He evidently is not an admirer of the schemes of Sir Julius, and attiibutes the present depressed state of affairs to the effects of that gentleman's administration when in office some years ago. Whether a return of the state of things he so deeply laments would be suited to the present population of the colouy is open to question. However, we give publication to the lines, not for their merit, but for the sentiments expressed :

In the rough days of old—before the Voge' came And put us up to bankruptcies and

loans — New Zealand led a merry life, in township and in bush, And know not of to-day's heartrending groans.

Though they fought the daring Maori, and met a worthy foe— Who'd fight the new-come Briton face to face — Though they had to meet all the dangers of the day, Still they knew nothing of to-day's disgrace.

Not having any rail, thev tramped with Father Shanks (For nags were not so common as to-day). Instead of daily mails, telegrams and telephones, The ne»vs was sometimes six months on the way.

No morning paper then, opera, or playing stars, Exhibitions, shams, tours, and flashy balls; They were content to take their fun in the rudest way, And didn't feel the want of " gorgeous halls."

Without the flare of gas, or e'en electric lisbt, ■ . Prospectuses of shams (the simple ones to hook And fill promoters pockets), but now the law steps in And says promoters must be brought to book.

One helped the other in the grand days of old, And did not try to crush him as to-day "With " filings of shovels," forced sales, and lawyer's writs— These are the outcome of " Vogelhan sway."

Give to us the old pig hunts, amongst the creeks and ferns, With "crossbred bully" ready for the fray. Give to us the' old bush knife, stuck on a teatree pole, Instead of the miseries of to-day.

Give to us the -joys again of the rough and ready race— Without their grand-stands, lawns, and rails and trains — Let us haTe our merry meets, as in the olden days, . Instead of to-day's prodigious shams !

Let us live in "rough slab huts " (with roofs of raupo Btraw), With freedom from the pangs of " money pain;" Instead of the hard life we have to-day to lead, The outcome of the Vogel'a rotten reign.

Let the " Vogel" fly away, other hateful schemes to hatch — As we " old ones " know that he has done before, ADd left us in the lurch to face his bubble shams. "No! don't trust the "Vogel" any more.

Old Cockey,