THE GRAND PARADE

Southland Times, Issue 20201, 11 June 1927, Page 22 (Supplement)

THE GRAND PARADE

(In Rabbit Land). —First Prize.— One evening as the moon shone On the little woodland glade The rabbits came, all full of glee, It was their grand parade. The little rabbits marched in front, The big ones came behind, On to the neighbouring paddock To see what they could find. They marched along so joyously, And sang a joyous song, They did not know behind the hedge A doggie crept along. ' A rustle—then a scamper— Oh! how their white tails flashed, As off in all directions The rabbits quickly dashed. -5/- and 4 marks to Cousin Gladys Robertson (10), 110 Chelmsford street, North i vercargill. —Second Prize.— The grand parade in Rabbit Land! The birds and beasts from every hand Came to see the great display—? The world was fair, and bright the day! The wee wood-folk had garments neat. My Lord Hare sat in the judge’s seat And old, old bunnies, and young ones, too— All came to have a splendid view. Sharp at two the parade began,— And how those bunnies ran and ran Till they came to the edge of Great Tree Row!— For there at that moment began the show. Pretty Miss W’hiskers led them all And oh, she did look charming! (though small), With Master White Forefeet, a really good fellow, Decked out with streamers of rose, green and yellow! The brothers Soft Silky Hair followed them then And the spectators all had to clap once again. Those dear artful brothers—indeed, this is true — Had painted their bodies in soft shades of blue! Of course, there were babies who jumped here and there, And of course the sweet children had “the fun of the fair.” Their fond mammas beamed at the small happy boys Assuring the squirrels that “yes, they were joys!” With clowns and negroes (those costumes were funny), Each one parading felt such a fine bunny! And they frisked all together and acted and sang, With echoes of laughter the trees rang and rang! The show would have lasted till bluebells gave chime, For the rabbits were having a right royal time! But sudden shouts came from boys at play— And my poor little woodlanders scuttled away! -2/6 and 3 marks to Cousin Winnie McQuilkan (13), 46 Yarrow street, Invercargill.