PEERS AND PROLETARIAT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 14131, 10 February 1910, Page 8

PEERS AND PROLETARIAT.

Tho pathetic figures which certain peers cut on public platforms (during the recent electoral campaign in the Old Country j have moved Punch to mirth. The following amusing description of a “Backswoodman” peer attempting to address the enlightened electors is given;—“Ladies and Gentlemen, (Hooray)-—1 have como here to-night (’Oo stole the common from the people ?) That was a long time ago; I m not going to speak about that now. (Well, we’re going to.) A man is not responsible for what bis ancestors may have done. (If it wasn’t for your ancestors you wouldn’t be a liearl.) That s nothing to do with it. (Acs, it as; don’t be so ungrateful.) Arc you going to listen to me? I’ve got my bimk to the wall. (AValbottle, ’o means!) Damn it, will yon —(Naughty!’ Ladies and Gontlomen, —(That’s right, Hughio, don’t von mind the horrid men. lon begin 'all over again, ’ dearie.) —I only ask for fair play? (Did you give the Budget fair play ?) Yes, wo did. (Oh, Porcival, ’ow can you ? And on your birthday, too!) Look here, do you think I want to talk to you? (Do you think wo want to listen to you P) Evidently you don’t. (’Ow bright little Stanley’s getting!) Very well, you needn’t then. (That’s sight, ducky, you get along to bed, Perkins will bring your tea up in the morning.) But I’m ju.st going to say one thing: If your beastly Radical gets in and tho Gormans "come, don’t ask me to defend you ! (Ow, mercy, mercy!)”