Australia's Funniest Yarns by Graham Seal

Author:Graham Seal
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Published: 2019-10-09T16:00:00+00:00

Women dressed in men’s working clothes for a laugh at The Retreat in Bardeman, NSW, circa 1920. They are Mary Regan, Flo Colls, Kath Regan and Gin Regan.

5

WORKING FOR A LAUGH

We, the Willing, led by the Unknowing

are doing the impossible for the Ungrateful.

We have done so much for so long with so little

We are now qualified to do anything at all.

Anonymous

THE GARBOS’ CHRISTMAS

A characteristically Australian Christmas occupational tradition, now probably obsolete, involved the ‘garbos’ or garbage men. For many decades the garbos were in the habit of leaving a Christmas message, often in verse, for their clients. The message would generally wish the household well for the coming year and was also designed as a reminder of the traditional garbos’ Christmas gift. Almost invariably, in New South Wales at least, this would be bottles or cans of beer left out along with the garbage bin on the last garbage collection day before the season began. Here are a couple of World War I examples of some Melbourne garbo greetings:

YOUR

SANITARY ATTENDANT

WISHES YOU

A Merry Christmas

Awake, awake, all freeborn sons,

Sound your voices loud and clear,

Wishing all a Merry Christmas

Likewise a glad New Year.

While referring to the Sewerage Scheme

As the greatest in the nation,

Until completed, I hope you’ll give

Us some consideration.

The mission of our life just now,

Is to cleanse and purify,

We do our duty faithfully,

Be the weather wet or dry.

So while you’re spending Xmas

In mirth and melody,

And friends to friends some present give,

Just spare a thought for me.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS

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