STATE OF THE NATION

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28660, 9 August 1958, Page 12

STATE OF THE NATION

(Bp

WHIM WHAM]

Parliament’s prating of Education, Free School Books for All: ■Somebody talks about Standardisation Of Children large dnd small: Levellers fain to flatten the Nation Low as the Least can fall— And I’m sick of the Neighbours’ Conversation, It drives me up the Wall. We can’t have This and we can’t have That Or the Other is far too dear. Through the Hole in the Top of Nordie’s Hat Spout Words of Doubt and Fear— I don’t know What they are driving at. But one Thing seems quite clear: The Wellfed State can’t grow more Fat On the Bones of Yesteryear. You cap buy the Books the Government thinks Improving to your Mind. You can use the Soap, you can drink the Drinks You’re lucky enough to find. The Tax Bill swells, the Revenue shrinks,, The Draught blows up behind — And you’ve had your Braques, and your Vlamincks, There’s no Art—for the Blind. ' The University Senate sits (Parliament’s cackling too!) The dim, the dull and the groping Wits— Debit where Credit is due. I merely place the Cap where it fits, My You! Wear it as best you can., for it’s The Best that we can do. What this means is anyone’s Guess That' isn’t completely floored. The Wellington Show is a rave Success— Why doesn't the Crowd applaud? The Look of the Place does not impress— Fretful and vexed and bored— Godzone Country’s a grand Address, ’ But the Owner’s gone abroad.