THE JACKDAW AMONG THE ROOKS.

Press, Volume XIX, Issue 2813, 8 May 1872, Page 3

THE JACKDAW AMONG THE ROOKS.

TO THE EDITOB OF THK PRESS, Sib,—The above used to be an old proverb when a man got into bad company. So might it be said, I think, of Mr A. Duncan when he joined the present Provincial Bxcutire. I had hoped better things of him when the electors of the Hcathcote sent him into the House of Parliament of Canterbury. The man who boasts of being the working man's friend, has shown himself anything but that in undertaking tho dirty work of the preseut Executive in reducing the wage of the working man. Why point out the poor man. Tf the Governor is short of cash, and retrenchment is necessary, begin at the top of the tree ; begin where they can save hundreds of pounds, instead of saving shillings, and turn a lot of drones oat of the hive, and let them try their hands at hard work to support themselves. It is to be hoped the wage-paid electors will keep their eyes on this boasted poor man's friend should he again solicit their votes. I ccc the man he stated to be willing to a reduction of 4s per week is an unfortunate fellow v?ho has lost one arm, as I see by your report to-day. Now, I think that looks like trying to mislead the gentlemen of the committee, something like another great bounce in this Executive, who said he was getting a man to work for 5s per day (and night occasionally, see Marshman's memo.), who I am .informed is in that state of healtji that lie is unable to do a hard day'a work, and therefore was glad to accept the offer of 5s per day for the winter months. I think the members of Government should abstain from quoting such cases as they are calculated to mislead. Yours, ice, A WoHKiNo Man.