THE BUILDING OF THE SHIP.

Western Star, Issue 741, 16 May 1883, Page 2

THE BUILDING OF THE SHIP.

It was where Jacob’s River flows And mingles with the sea, That bold Josiah roved the woods, And laid low many a tree. Not England’s old Prime Minister Is stout Josiah’s peer At wielding axe—for be can strike— Can bold Josiah Beer.

“ Now, Riverton, come on, and help To build a gallant bark, Or Invercargill will go by, And leave you in the dark.” Two gallant men ®£ all the crowd Made answer “ We are here— We’ll stand, or fall, or flourish With the bold Josiah Beer.

“ What, ho ! bring forth the axes, And Riverton shall see Us stem the tide of dark despair; Her fortune ours must be.” Their sinewy arms the axes wield Without a doubt or fear, Bold Melvin, with brave Miners, marched Beside Josiah Beer.

Far in the Queensland wilderness, Black troopers front and rear, With gallant Douglas at their head, A stranger he to fear. Through miles of tangled scrub we went, The cover black foes seek, And after fifty miles we came Upon a long-haired Greek.

Around him lay the mighty trees — For he had hewn a road Where never human hand had worked, Nor man made his abode. A hundred miles from where men dwelt, Tlie Greek worked all alone. And when wo burst forth from the scrub, ■Hiaface with welcome shone.

The troop pulled up, the black men gazed With wonder; none could speak, We looked upon each other, And we looked upon the Greek; I thought of that bright story, When Greece was great and free— Three hundred Greeks fought Persia’s strength At famed Themopyl®.

Though years have passed, and he is gone, Brava Douglas is laid low, Though oft’ he braved the quivering spear. And scattered ambushed foe. Yet to my memory came that scene, As yesterday t’was clear, I said “ Here is Thermopylae j The Greek —Josiah Beer.”

Now, forns in line, ye volunteers; Play, Aparinm’a band, For now wo launch a gailant ship, By us she’s built and manned. Now, let the echoing music sound In accents sweet and clear. Three cheers! the Pioneer stems the tide, Like bold Josiah Beer. Ibbne.