HOME IN TAXI

Franklin Times, Volume XXX, Issue 90, 15 August 1941, Page 3

HOME IN TAXI

FOR £IOO CHEQUE OLD MAN'S FINE GESTURE The small, rather bent, grey-haired man, who slipped under the barrier into the oflicial square in Martin Place. Sydney, to ask where he could buy a turn Red Cross badge could not have chosen a better person to answer his question. Jl was Lady Walder to whom lie spoke, the organiser of Red Cross Bay, and of an all-day concert. Wiie she said she bad a badge in her handbag awaiting .a purchaser lie said: "Well, i’ll just go home and get my money.” "Where do you live," asked Lady Walder. "Balmain." "Then I’ll get you a laxi. A taxi was called and off he went, die was back in Martin Place in less than half an hour and handed over his cheque signed "Joseph Hopkins. Mr Hopkins, an Englishman aged BJ, who lias been a dock worker and printer, said be gave the money because lie wanted England to win tlie war. When lie was taken on the dais and the microphone put in front ot him lie said in a rattier quavering voice: "I can’t talk, but I’ll sing you a song." 11, ended up with the words: “Hitler won't win the war because Australia will be there." j Mr Hopkins wrote the song himsell ! and there are seven verses, and lie ! always sings it in Martin Place on patriotic days.