The Return of the Troops

Southland Times, Issue 14713, 4 August 1900, Page 2 (Supplement)

The Return of the Troops

(By Moeoak Hawxbs. ) And Will the war be over before the wattle blooms, And the bush is all agleam with shimmering gold ? Will the boys be here to see it, and to pluck the scented plumes, And hang them at their saddles stained and old? Oh, will they soon come home again.? ' And will they soan be back In Australia, loved Australia, Riding up the dusty t rack ; With the station dog 9 all barking, And the stockwhips all acrack, And the station hands all cheering — Oh, will they soon be back? And will the war be over before the dusky Sounds Wake up to greet the springtime with the sunlight on the snow ? Will the boys be here to see it on the old familiar rounds, Shifting out the sheep and cattle on the hillsides all aglow ? Oh, will they soon come home again ; And will they soon return To Maoriland, lone Maoriland. 'Mid the kauri pine and fern ? And the men will leave the woolpress, And the girls will leave the churn, To give the troops a greeting— Oh, will they soon return ? . • • » And will the war be over before the harvest sheaves^ Tower high a toppling load above the broad and heavy tires ? Will the boys be here to see it, and the beech's autumn leaves, And the covert side and cub hunt in the meadows of the shires ? Oh, will they soon come home again ; And will they soon step down In England, mother England, And dear old London Town ? Hurry up a hundred transports, For the fighting men in brown ; There'll be throbbing hearts and hand-grips,! When they lower the gangways down !