Poetry.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXVIII, Issue 40, 19 May 1869, Page 4

Poetry.

THE FOX AND GEESE. [From the Auckland Punch,.] , Last year an old Premier, who lives in a boot, Was troubled with much opposition ; For a rampant old reynard, the craftiest brute, " With a lot of congenial beasts tried to loot, And get into the charming position. So he prompted some donkeys to kick up a row (Sometimes they're called Superintendents), And he promised them cash — that there wasn't — and how, When he'd all that he wanted, he'd kindly allow Them to be still his tools and attendants. Then Williamson, Featherston, Curtis, Maclean, Rose up with immense indignation ; Said the natives are not what they ought to have been — That they might be improved, and 'twas plain to bo seen » 1 Things required some great alteration. These startling ideas made the Parliament quail : The great centre of earthquakes was shaken ; And the fox, with his surperindental tail, But for one man, who don't speak without fail, Would have got the Government bacon. And next year they mean to repeat all this farce At the cost of our free independents ; And the end of the do will be nought -will be done And the tax-paying lamb (unless Stafford should, run), And perhaps a fevr Superintendents. Now the boot pinches bndly, a vigorous kick j At our roundabout earthquaky axis j Would send double-governments home to Old Nick; And if country folks don't put their toe to it quick, They deserve, and tvill have, double taxes.