Committee to inquire into the occupation and use of that portion of the
waterfront where Bernie's refreshment stall stands.--Parliamentary news item. Let's halt a while in national discussions
Though Europe reeks with every kind of force
Lets turn from all the Nazi repercussions,
And trace another problem to its source;
There's a finger-food provider by the river
Where flourishes an enterprise new-born,
And here the epicure and eke bon viveur
Oft rally round until the early morn ;
So, though immense the cares of nationhood be
Let's stop a while and this great question face,
"ls Bernie's crayfish barrow' where it should be ?
"Or is it just a little out of place ?" That late at night each Ruth and Reg and Ronald
Should gather with a hot dog in each hand
Perturbs the stainless soul of Ross McDonald,
Suggesting that ifs time to make a stand !
Though half the world hold up its hands in terror,
The "House" from contemplating this must cease
And ask has Mr. Shapcott made an error
In granting Mr. Bernie such a lease ;
Lest legislators apathetic would be
This is the query that surrounds the case :
"ls Bernie's crayfish barrow where it should be?
"Or is it just a little out of place ?" While stricken nations cry for aid and pity,
Behold our Parliament must call a halt,
And clothe with powers a grave Select Committee
To scan the crayfish stall and find the fault ;
Stand back all other problems much less pressing,
And even though the war still drags along
The public for a time can be left guessing
Until we find if Bernie's lease is wrong ;
The Mountside is not peaceful as it could be,
The source of all its troubles we must trace ;
"Is Bernie's crayfish barrow where it should be ? "OR IS IT JUST A LITTLE OUT OF PLACE?" --THE HOBO. Notes From the Western Australian Newspaper The Sunday Times 11 Aug 1940 p. 8.