this song, as has been pointed out,lends itself to being sung by a number of people representing the different characters. I have a tape lying about somewhere, recorded in Oxford c1963, performed by our very own Mike from Northumbria(who has just posted to this thread) and McGrath of Harlow(who probably soon will). Plus Tony Rose, plus Naomi Cohen and Phil Heycock( I have no idea what happened to the last two).
   It is very strange, the total lack of convincing stories as to who wrote it.The song became so popular, you'ld think whoever was responsible would have gone round boasting about it. Unlesss, of course, they had by then become a very puritanical clergyman or something(now, that might explain it).