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tfcallarat Gertie
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SANTA Jr CLAUS
" 'But, look, the. morn in russet mantle clad, .
'Walks o'er the dew of yon high eastern hill !' "
—Santa Claus quoted. 4
The red cloak and white beard belonged to Santa Claus, the
words were Shakespeare's, but: the. -voice was -Bertie's.
Ho untied a parcel. from the Christmas tree- and brought'
It to us. It was adorned with a bow of -white ribbon, but the- .
shape was familiar.
"Stick this In your skyrocket; -It's Bnllarat '" Bertie whis
pered.
"Only one, Bertie?"
"Sorry, one's your share this Christmas."
'Why were you- reciting 'Hamlet' Just now?"
"Because I think a new day Is breaking,'' : Bertie answered
thoughtfully. "A day when you'll bo able to walk In and ask.
for a bottle of Ballarat or a packet of smokes, and get. them
with a smile; a day when free Australians will return to a
wholesome way of life, too proud to look for Government hand
outs raised from high beer duties and high taxes; a- day when
men will be Impatient of clumsy fumbling with hotel hours, :
and DO something about It; best of all, a day when the- plague-
of speechmaklng In this country will give place to a growth
of Ideas, and cause us to measure ourselves and our laws by
world standards."
"A plea for honesty, Bertie?"
"Yes. The only way to a happy now year— I wish you the
Compliments of the Season."
YOURS SINCERELY,
THE BALLARAT BREWING CO.
LTD.
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