Old Wives' Song
p. 30 · Read in the full issue
(From the Fijian ) Ere you girls a husband take “Malua vaka lailai.”* Men, you maids o’er-estimate; Later on, you blame poor Fate. (Many a wife I’ve heard of late Sigh Malua vaka lailai).
Consider, when Simeli’s old. (Malua vaka lailai).
He indeed a lover bold, Strongly you his arms enfold— But his love may soon grow cold!
Malua vaka lailai.
Hence I always maidens warn, Malua vaka lailai; Tyrant ways, of hero born.
Once-loved wives may sit forlorn — Men are lovers in life’s morn — So, Malua vaka lailai!
Joni many gifts may send; Malua vaka lailai.
Every wife knows this will end; Knows how soon her will may bend!
A lover makes a better friend!
Hence — malua vaka lailai. * Malua vaka lailai Don’t be in a hurry.
Alice Allen Innes.
Lieutenant C. W. Seton, who was a well-known planter In the Solomons Islands before the war, is spending long leave in Sydney. After the Japanese invasion, Mr. Seton proceeded to Sydney and joined the AIF as a private. Soon afterwards, he was “borrowed” by the Royal Australian Navy and the Ameri can Forces; and for 18 months he was away in the Pacific, engaged on special and hazardous work —during which he was awarded a commission.