SPINDRIFT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16780, 8 July 1922, Page 8

SPINDRIFT.

Readers are invited to send in original topical paragraphs or verses for this column, which is a daily feature of the Star.” Accepted contributions should be cut ont by the writers and forwarded to the Editor, who will remit the amounts payable. In the great constellation of stars There is none like the planet of Mars, Where Bishop Leadbeater nas recently been On an astral excursion some knowledge to glean ; And he tells of the many strange things he has seen On the wonderful planet of Mars. In that realm, if the Bishop is right, Every day is a dream of delight. Gaily dancing and singing they pass the glad hours, Or they wander in fields always fragrant with flowers ; For they rarely have more than the lightest of showers On the wonderful planet of Mars. Though they work hut a few hours a day They can live in good style on their pay ;. , . _ . For machines do the most of the labour you see. While their living is simple and houses are free : And they’re all just as Yiappy as happy can be On the wonderful planet of Mars. Since Dame Fashion in Mars holds no sway They can wear the same clothes every day. Not a pauper is there so there’s no one to beg, And they never indulge in a “spot” or a “ peg.” Unless someone’s been pulling the dear Bishop’s leg On the wonderfuj planet of Mars. Motor-cars do not rush though each, town Knocking all the pedestrians down. And I hear they are free from all kinds of disease, So no doctors are there with exorbitant fees ; And the people can live just as long as they please On the wonderful planet of Mars. But although this all seems very grand There’s one thing I can’t understand; If the people agree and all hold the same views. If they never have riots or hit np tha booze, Where on earth do the newspapers get all their news Or. the wonderful planet of Mars ? More of the latest novels which have reached me : “Intelligence,” by a member of the Opposition. “ Pussyfoot,” by Dt Levinge. “ The Second Cut,” S. Ivil Servant. “ Safety First,’’ A. Macintosh. “ Imirildisle,” Devela Ra. “Rugby” (an essay in tactics), Scollege. *.* lam quite modest in making the following suggestions in reference to the movement afoot for dispelling dull care. If they should meet with the approval of those in authority I would be pleased if they were considered by the City Council when the new Town Hall is opened along with the City Organ. Particularly are these remarks directed towards Community “ singing.”

In order that ft little more body be imparted to the tone what about securing a good jazz band or the male voice choir. Seeing that singing is a thirsty game why not invite subs from the publicans and afternoon tea emporiums. It is quite evident by the attendance at the weekly sing that like the long skirt which was hung on a nail, “ It’s caught on.” “There is no abiding city here,**, vide Dr Thacker at Wellington. We recommend a month at the Hermitage without a bonus cut. *** Crabbe, a faithful old member of the Public Service, was lingering, stricken with his last illness. His boss. Prater, somewhat religious, sat at the bedside, having called to try and console his old assistant. “My dear Crabbe, I am very sorry to see you suffering as you are. but we must all bow to the inevitable. However, niv dear friend, as you gav the doctor has told you there is no hope of recovery F would like to see you resigned before vou go hence into the unknown.** At this Crabbe, by a supreme effort, raised himself to a half-sitting position and fairly screeched; “Resigned! resigned. man ! Don’t you come any Bill Massey tricks here. What would my missus and the kids do without a pension ? ” FANCY!! When I sit in the flickering firelight, At the close of the long, weary dav, And I know that all nature is slumbering. Then my fancy is wafted a wav To a land that is fragrant with roses, \\Tiere Jasmine and Columbine twine; fairies and wood-nymphs and elfins In singing and dancing combine. * Now I wander through forests majestic, In w:l»ose depths softly murmurs a stream, And it whispers a tale, as entrancing As tho song of some sweet Baby-dream. Lo! Before me there passes a vision! And I smile as it raises my bead— But I groan when I know its the Missus Who is shouting, “ It’s time von’re in bed!!”

Jinks: How did you feel when that motor struck you ? Blinks; All run down. The absolute helplessness of man is amply demonstrated when he stands on a shaky stepladder with ten vards of wallpaper to which paste has just been applied. Here’s a splicing that ought to stick: Tlio bride is one of the beautiful and accomplished younger soeietv women of the city. The groom is a prominent glue merchant. Tho flea-.” says a statistician, “ lives two months.” Not if he gete to chewing my neck! A New York minister declares that flappers are going to cause the next war, and that “ women never were as bad at, they are to-day.” Isn’t he a mean, horrid old thing, so there, girls! “ Matrimony is declining,” declares a writer. Humph ! T thought matrimony wag “accepting.” Anyhow, the girl who plasters on the paint thereby acknowledges to the world that Nature sort o’ passed her up when G-ood Looks were parceled out *•* Who says the world isn't being kind to father nowadays? A machine now is invented that splits and piles wood. STNBAD.