A POETIC PETITION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1471, 23 February 1886, Page 3

A POETIC PETITION.

The Right Honorable John Burke O’Brien paid Temuka one of his periodical visits on lust Saturday evening, and renewed his acquaintance with its citizens. The Right Honorable gentlemai. has a grievance now ; he has had violent hands laid on him by a policeman, and he has sent the following petition on the subject to His Excellency the Governor ;

May it please Your Excellency to listen to my tale, Unjustly I’ve been sentenced to three long months in gaol. On October 29 last, I wish to let you know, With friends I went to Timaru to see the cattle show.

When parting on that evening I look a glass or two, And fell in with a “ bobby ” named O’Donoghue; “ Come on with me,” he said,” “ ’Tis you I want to see, I’ll run you in for not being drunk, you should be on the spree.”

O’Donoghue’s a fellow with a thorough Irish brogue, Who ne’er lets go an honest man, but swears he is a rogue ; Before the Beak he took me, the truth to you I tell, And Beswiok said, “ Give him three months in Cotter’s big hotel.”

Fiercely dashed the crested wave the breakwater along, But fiercer swelled my noble bloou to right this cruel wrong. The blood of the De Burgo, and Munster’s princely line, A shabby, mean policeman to prison did consign.

This is my case, Your Excellency, presented to your view, I am struggling under difficulties this world to get through; An order of protection grant mo from such a bore As policemen and magistrates, to last me evermore.

Remember dear old Shannon, and pleasant Qurry Owen ; Think of your mother's people, the blood in your veins flowing, Then grant me my petition, and I will ever pray May you never dine in prison upon a Christmas Day. The Right Hon. John Buske O’JBeien.