Dredgeman's Ballad.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 484, 23 August 1905, Page 5

Dredgeman's Ballad.

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When boating in turbulent waters With back-wash and currents galore, Don't go driying bow first through an eddy, Don't trust to the swish of your oar. For a boat-load of coal takes some sheering, And the river is strong at its best j And it isn't nice reading or hearing " Found drowned " at the usual inquest.

Don't be frightened to lasb on your life-belt When dangerous work is ahead, Though your mates laugh and call you cowhearted You'll laugh easier living than dead; For the laugh of the river rings loudly When a dredgeman starts acting the mule, And the icy pold water whirls proudly To welcome another poor soul,

Don't go fooling round work that you can't do, Own up-to your boss like a man ; And then with your mouth widely open, Just watch those who do it who can. Don't sleep when you ought to be working, While your mate runs the whole blooming show, | Lest you find while your work'you've been shirking Tour mate may have gone down below.

And, lads J when your eight hours are finished And you step from the boat to the shore, Please leave all your day's work behind you, For dredge talk's a terrible bore, With your tumblers and buckets and top gear, With your pumps and your winches as well, From public opinion (which sometimes I hear), Sour friends often wish you in ——,