READERSVOICE.COM aims to give a few samples from interesting out of print books. This issue features Dinkum Aussie Yarns by Maurie Fields. Mr Fields (1926-1995) was a vaudeville comedian and actor. In later life he told jokes on a night-time variety tv show called Hey, Hey, It’s Saturday. The show ran from 1984 to 1999.

He was also the jokes editor for Australasian Post, which was a magazine featuring stories about real- life Australian characters. It ceased publication in 2002. Mr Fields’ joke books feature jokes from Australasian Post.

The books, which look like magazines, include Leave ‘em Laughing and Dinkum Aussie Yarns. Here are a few shorter samples from Dinkum Aussie Yarns. It’s well worth tracking down by anyone who likes old-fashioned but good jokes.

THE MINISTER of the local church discovered at the last minute that he hadn’t invited a little old lady to come to his garden party, so he rang her up and asked her to come.

“It’s too late,” said the little old lady. “I’ve already prayed for rain.”

THEN there’s the bloke [guy] who rolls up at work more than an hour late.

“You should have been here at nine o’clock!” snaps the boss.

“Why?” says the bloke, “what happened?”

A PSYCHIATRIST was talking to a woman whose husband thought he was a lawn mower.

“Just be patient for a while,” said the doctor. “It’s a harmless fantasy that will soon pass.”

“I hope so,” said the woman. “I’m getting sick of lending him to the neighbours.”

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