RAGLAN LICENSING BENCH.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2959, 2 July 1891, Page 3

RAGLAN LICENSING BENCH.

'Twas in thn wintry month of June, When drains were welcome to a loon, That five grave men together sat To show the loon his star maun sot. The top boss there was worthy Allan — No Rab's devoted drunken callant; But Allan o' toon sections fame, A noted water-drinking thane. Aud P r there, of Karioi, As buoyant as an ocean buoy. And H y, to, with sense and reason, But champion ho of prohibition. These three were iill Wai's votaries sworn, And vowed the death of Barleycorn. But Barley had his champions there — A knight of ancient "rule and square," And stout Wahanga—sober man, A lordling of the Jvopua clan. Thoso two held up their hands in vain Against the racing watery main. Aud now the Council Clerk, fou crouso, Submits the sketch of Barlow's house. " A house well ordered," said the Clerk, "Onco finished well up to the mark." Bold Barlow eyes with pride his plan Attract the gaze of Ribbon man. The sagos voted two 'gainst two; Then Allan, of the Ribbon blue, Though conscious that the clerk spoke true, " My reasons thesu tho Bench may note Why I now Rive my casting vote: One temple only must siirhco For Bacchus and his votaries." To Bow-street now their thoughts they

turned (Since Barlow's license they had spurned), To see what title George could prove To claim the votes of Ribbon love. His liquor guid they wudna bide, But yet they thought they might decide. Alas ! to post his notice early The rahoroi 'scaped him rarely. His case was piteous, hopeless, lost; On Tuesday next no more " Mine Host." Then rose the moon of Bow-street fame. He'd counsel takpn on his claim ; Ho had tho letters O'Neill gave To show how license ho might have. Then sped his offshoot to the " pub," While tiptoe expectation stood. The letters brought, the Chairman scanned, They showed the Moon was sadly d d. No agit to his fault was shown, The letters, faultless, cave him none. Then urged ho that his stock was plenty, He craved for time "t' return the empty." Then forward to the rescue, Stangley. •'The elect of yourselves, you wrongly Sit here to air you fads and creeds Regardless of the public needs. Know that the County Council's 'cheques Would much improve by fifty ; better Givo each his license, or be free To brave Waikato's fierce hostility. I know Waikato's inmost thought, Thnut:h tu Waikato I no'er spoke. Their anger like their river's Mood Shall 'whelm you in your Templar mud." To shut him up tho Council halted j The self-elected speaker bolted. A member then invoked delay, For reasous why lie did not say. "Plain was the law," another cried, " There's nothing for us to decide." But homeward each his several way, Resolved to meet some ither day. And now farewell, V" cursed drinker : Your brains have long reeled with deep-

sinker, Blue Ribbon banners now you'll have, Far better they than " tidal wavo."