Middle-Class

A visiting Parliamentarian recently stated that he found middle-class people in Papua and New Guinea living an upper-class life; and he thought they ought to pay direct taxation Hon. E. A. James, MLC, of Port Moresby, in a comment over 9PA, said he was most surprised that the visitor should object to middle-class people leading an upper-class life, even if such a thing were possible. We paid plenty of indirect taxation, anyway, added Mr. James.

Oh, the weather was cold, so I packed my bag And headed up north (I’m such a wag!).

Of course, I travelled up there by air— The Australian people were paying my fare— And I left behind my wool underwear, But trousers and braces—l wouldn’t dare!

And Middle-Class People put me up, And Middle-Class People gave me sup, And Lower Class servants did their best To make things pleasant for the guest— And Middle-Class children slept on the floor So I might sleep in comfort more.

And I saw people live with a grace or two — When not in the rain or a hard canoe.

My host gave whisky (he’d paid the tax), And listened politely as I made cracks.

And my host got up at a quarter-to two To care for a native —what a thing to do!

And so I departed from P-NG, Having spent a fortnight—or , was it three?

And having learned all about the place, I made a few statements to just save face.

For one should acknowledge, I always say, A most hospitable holiday.

Noelle Mason.

Bougainville.