CONTRIBUTED VERSE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2544, 3 July 1909, Page 1 (Supplement)

CONTRIBUTED VERSE.

THE' BARCOO STEEPLECH.N >E. Sandy rode Blazer, and Dad rode tlie maro In the Barcoo Steeplechase. The going was heavy and Dad was too, And holes were about the place. Blazer and the mare were as fit as could be, They’d been living on Mulga scrub, And Dad had been trying to reduce his weight By drinking at the. pub. Uncle came down to start them away, And Moloney was referee, And Mrs McSweeney brought the twins For a breath of fresh aix you see. The. horses were waltzing at the post, And everyone watched old Dad, When someone gave Uncle a prick with a pin, And he promptly lowered the flag. They bounded away to a beautiful start, With Blazer leading the mare But Dad kept coming all the while, . And never turned a hair. For the third and last time round they came, And we raised a lusty cheer. Dad didn’t respond, he hadn’t the time, For the water jump was near. Blazer took it well and clean, But Dad’s great ■weight had told, For the maro and Dad went out of sight, And wasn’t that water cold. Blazer .was proclaimed the winner, While Dad came in on his own, And someone started the sweet refrain Of ’’Home, Sweet Home.” Then four stalwart fellows took hold of Dad, ■ ' . And carried him shoulder high, And Mrs McSweeney sweetly sang, “Cornin’ thro’ the rye.” Blit Dad took it all like a sportsman, And didn’t fume or fret, And anyone who likes may rid© the But Dad’s keeping out of the wet. —David Scott.