BY THE WAY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18787, 17 June 1929, Page 9

BY THE WAY.

SOME COLLECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS

(By One of the Boys). She was only a butcher’s daughter, but she was dressed to kill. We tried to think of something funny about the SOO gallons of beer that slopped over at Ward’s brewery, but it was too serious to ioke about. “I ain’t superstitious,” said one Syd enham barracker on Saturday, “but when Merivale were 13 to nil I felt we were going to lose.” Maid: “The lady can’t see you; she’s in her bath.” Agent: “Oh, that’s all right; I’m sell ing soap.” If the Australian coal mines are idle much longer, the public will soon be getting slack, too. Husband (peevishly) : What’s the matter with the tea? There’s no milk in it! Wife (coldly) : No, you drank it all before I could let you in this morning. The only people who didn’t feel the earthquake to-day were those riding in a certain make of motor-car. They noticed nothing unusual. Old Boys supporter: I bet you got excited after the match on Saturday. Christchurch supporter: Oh, no, I remained cool, calm and—collected. Mr Coates’s new steamer service seems to have been a bluff Melbourne service all right. HONEYMOON VILLA. THE PASSING OF ARTHUR. Peace and goodwill shone on the scene. Happy the faces; John, serene, Gazed lovingly on Thackey's girth. And said, “ Each bit of Thack is worth Its weight in gold.” The children sat On stools around and stroked the cat, Dan and Tom and Perce and Ted, Elizabeth and likewise Fred— All smiling happily—but stay! Who by the window peers, I pray? What is the face against the pane? Someone is standing in the rain And gazing at the well-warmed room. A sad face filled with deepest gloom. Sudden, he enters. All aghast Retreat. “’Tis Arthur come at last,” Said one, but John raised high his hand. “Silence! ” he ordered. “This lad’s banned. Arthur’s not such as you,” he said i “He’s only pink, you’re truly Red, And branded L.R.C. ’Tis burned Into your hearts. You’re Labour learned, But Arthur—there, don’t cry, alas, It can’t be, no, can’t come to pass.” “Then why does Thackey sit in here? Is he true Red?” asked Arthur “ Here! ” Cried John. “My lad, don’t answer back! Go hence, young man! Don’t mind him, Thack. Our Thackey’s Red enough by far. You see we all ride in his car And passes get when League doth play.” And sadly Arthur passed away.