We are getting daily shorter in our quantities of paper.
And so we've got to tell you, you must fall into the fashion
And consent to be subjected to a very drastic ration.
We know your trade's essential and that there'd be much regretting
If the people couldn't go and have their weekly spot of betting,
And though, maybe, you feel you're on a doubtful sort of wicket
You'll have to put up somehow with a smaller betting ticket !" Said the bookie to the punter "In the service of the nation
I want to ask the favor of your quick co-operation.
The pasteboard that I give you must be smaller, for war's prices
Are many when it comes to universal sacrifices."
I've given you a dinkum spin and as I'm not a sinner
In most of our encounters you have been the lucky winner.
So in this grave new crisis I rely on you to stick it
And put up without a grumble with a smaller betting ticket !" "I'm used to sacrifices and I think it's only cricket
That I should take unruffled a smaller betting; ticket !"
"That's so," replied the bookie "now the Jap's become a brawler
I'd remind you too that you must take a lot of things much smaller."
"But you can't give smaller odds," then gasped the punter's voice unsteady,
"For the flamin' odds you give us are too blanky small already!" . . . THE HOBO. Notes From the NSW Newspaper The Sunday Times 11 Jan 1942 p. 7.