NO-LICENSE VERSES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2360, 28 November 1908, Page 12 (Supplement)

NO-LICENSE VERSES.

Original lines composed for Mr A. J Black’s farewell No-license meeting.. (By T. W. G-. Matawhero.)

AYe failed dm this electorate, but we were not conquered then, For we’ll rise with greater vigor still to fight and fight, again. Wo have struck for Prohibition: we shall strike on without fear Till wo shut up all the man traps with their whisky, wine .and beer.

Face the conflict, Gisborne people, nobler far than wealth or fame, Deeds that raise the sad and fallen from the sorrow, crime and shame. Hear the cry of suffering children, left with little bread to eat; See the sickening sights that meet us as wo walk our public street.

Hark! Those horrid cries of anguish, ringing through the prison cell, And despair beyond salvation, piercing from the gates of hell, AY here drink victims by the thousand, are shut out beyond repair From earth’s delightful beauties, and thoso Heavenly portals fair.

Pay no heed to zealous Mayors, prais- " ing license by the hour, Disregarding the No-liccuse man, who voted such to power; _ Nor attend to leading public men, who attack a temperance man At a Prohibition meeting, as a lion would cur Lamb. "

But throughout this whole electorate, whilst receiving ready aid From the public Press of Gisborne speaking out against the trade, Let us rouse the public conscience—much too- dormant in the past, In seme parts of this fair country where in liquor mould it s cast.

AVhen Blade and Fee comes here ' ’again, and Grant we have the Lamb, The Trade can take the strong meant (mint) sauce from Dickens with Gra(y)liam; Clergy, AYomcn’s Unions, Rechab’s, Leagues and Templars in array, •Boys, we’ll carry Prohibition on our next Big Polling Day.