Further, to give evidence
of his consistency, Humffray himself will express his sorrow to Peter Lalor
for his loss of the left arm at the same peg Eureka; and, to atone for
past transgressions, he will soon after call in both the prodigal John
and yabbering Basson, and with his whole heart and voice, strike up,
'God Save the Queen,' at peg Camp. As for bottoming his shaft at the central
point Work, that's a different thing altogether; and yet it must be admitted
that he is 'all there' in his claim, when the hole is bottomed, especially
if a drive is to be put in with his quill. Sum total:--He was, is, and
ever will be, John Basson Humffray, Esquire, of Ballaarat;
'Honi soi qui mal y pense', because his friends want him in St. Patrick's Hall.
Chapter XXII.
Strike Off A Medal In Commemoration.
We are on Bakery-hill, though, attention. Immediate objects of
the Reform League.
I. An immediate change in the management of the goldfields, by disbanding
the Commissioners (undoubtedly the unanimous demand, or 'desire'--if the word
suit better the well-affected--of all blue-shirts). Three cheers for Vern!
Go it hearty! Fine fellow! Legs rather too long! Never mind.
II. The total abolition of the diggers' and storekeeper's licence tax.
(Ah! ah! prick John Bull at his pounds, shillings and pence,
that's the dodge to make him stir.)
Three cheers for Humffray! Hurrah!
The whole of the grand talk of these Bakery reformers leagued together on its
hill, can properly be framed in, on a 'copper;' thus doing justice to all.
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