A SMART SATIRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17777, 8 November 1919, Page 2

A SMART SATIRE.

The clever collaboration of Mr E. Y. Lucas and Mr C. L. Graves has in the past produced some amusing skits and hard hits, as for instance, "Wisdom While You Wait," "England, Day by Day,- "Signs of the Times,""Hustled .History." In 1910 Mr Lucas changed partners, and, with Mr George Morrow, nroduced that smart satire "What a Life!". Then came the war and some years qf silence; but "Quoth the Raven," an unofficial history of the war, by "E. V. L." and "G.M.," proves that the twin humourists have been able to extraci a meed af amusement from the world's great tragedy. This diary, which is-without dates, consists of pungent' comments on everyday events during the years 'of w.ar, which, quickly forgotten .in the exciterrtent.of the world's drama, Mr Lucas's keen but kindly satire serves to recall. The effect of the comment is heightened by the clever sketches from Mr Morrow's pencil, the result being a brochure full of smart quips and brilliant epigrams. The outstanding figures in the direction of the war all fall under the lash; and the Daily Mail comes in for much attention. There are frequent entries to the effect that Mr Lloyd George, speaking at a Welsh town with unpronounceable name, repeats, "This war, like the next war, is a war to end war." Among the Gems of Oratory of the Week" is the following:— - "Let us remember our brave ancestors, who, in 1263, went without margarine for (jays—aye, weeks—and never clamoured for peace."—The New Zealand Premier at Dunedin. A sample entry or two may serve as illustration of the spirit of the brochure: Mr Winston Churchill makes resonant two-hour speech at Savoy banquet on the paramount importance of everyone; saying nothing, but doing his best. Mr Lloyd George delivers three-hour spcech at Brighton on the imperative .need of action rather than words. Red tape becomes redder. Purchasing- power of a shilling reduced by Government to sixpence. Party nolitics re-interned. Party "politics escape from internment camp. . , Railwav fares increased by 50 per cent.; number of passengers increased by 100 per cent. New Food Controller appointed. Old Food Controller raised to the peerage. War economy campaign intensified. Two bookmakers knighted. Sir John .French buys a note-book and a fountain-pen. Ify the use of Pelmanism ten thousand seoond lieutenants become brigadiergenerals. It is excellent fooling, all the more tellin " because the barbs of genuine wit are tipped with truth. One of the last entries reads:— ' Groat meeting of unauthorised .warwinners at Albert Hall. Riot Act read. » " Quoth tiie Haven: An Unofficial History of the War." Br E. V. L. and G. If. London: Methtien and Co. (Is 3d net.)