The Slacker

A section of the South Australian Public Service has issued a notice to its officers stating that it has become
necessary to dismiss single men, and adding, rather pathetically, "Cannot you do something about it?"  It amounts to a
brutal notice to get wed or get out.

In a day now out of date, by all men the married state was regarded as a blessing and a boon; and life's morning saw a 
quest for maid to grace a nest and embellish life's contented afternoon.  But the blasé youth these days on the joys that
poets praise turns a resolute and apathetic back, till the worried powers that be have to issue this decree: "Take a pair
of sparkling eyes, or take the sack!"

Men of old could plainly see marriage was a lottery; but they were not slacker sin that olden day.  A pouting lip, a 
roguish glance, and they were game to take a chance, and it was left but for the maid to name the day.  But, alas, for 
valiant men!  'Tis a gloomy comment when youth endeavors all posterity to rob, and the duty they forget must be backed up 
by the threat: "Take a pair of ruby lips, or lose your job!"

Take my counsel selfish man, marriage is the only plan; and, if two can never live as cheap as one, one may not monopolise
all the way that rulers wise set aside that this world's work may still be done.  Take a wife or take the air; thankful 
that you do not bear all the burdens of the Musselman or Turk.  Take a maid and look for joy; take a chance half-hearted
boy; take a cosy little cot or look for work.