Under the Clocks
In 65 state electorates some 150 candidates are now carolling something like this:--
What do ye lack, sirs ? What do ye lack ?
Come to my heart your troubles unpack
Ask o' me big things small, beg o' me
Size or degree doesn't matter at all !
( Man, it would have to be something sublime
Able daunt me this promisful time !)
Granted each wish you may fairly expect-
Ay' e'en the moon !--if but me you elect!
Open mart, free or compulsory, Pool,
Library, road grant, a bridge or a school ;
Plentiful trains and your produce freight-free,
New ports wherever their sponsors agree ;
Wages put up and dear living brought down ;
Country existence made pleasant as town:
Fourpenny loaves and twelve shillings for wheat-
All, all are yours, if I'm given the seat !
Soviet? Yes, sir. Lowered wages? Yes, too.
Railway to Woop Woop? Of course, sir-for you !
Redistribution ? Reduction of rates ?
Rigid economy ? Taxing rebates ?
Pensions for p'licemen? Release of Crown land ?
Cinemas, cocktails, and jazz-palais banned
Anything-everything-more-you may win
All you've to do is Just ME to put in !
Notes
From the Victorian Newspaper The Herald 13 Aug 1921 Page 9.