A "TRACTION MAN'S' PROTEST.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13397, 14 April 1909, Page 4

A "TRACTION MAN'S' PROTEST.

TO THIS EDITOR OT "THE PRESS." Sir, —As a reader of your paper would you grant mc space to refute the remark "I knew they would stop and go in there*" made by a passer-by as a traction engine and trucks pulled vi- in front of the Belfast Hotel last Thursday evening. The remark was made by a female cyolist, and I wish to point out that the reason for stopping was to get clear of the road in order to take in a saok of coal from a rear waggon. Had tho individual who uttered these words been placed in tho same position i?.<* the traction men, the temptation would have been great to tike a little stimulant after long hours. I may state that Tuesday night saw us working until 11 p.m., and up again at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, with a heavy day in front of us, retired at midnight, up again at 4 a.m., to finish 9 o'clock at night, without a wash for two days and little food. The followers of the threshing mills should have the greatest sympathy from the public, working before daylight and after dark, often on inferior food (black tea and bread). Men are worked to a standstill, and need some stimulant; but as long as plenty of nourishing food is provided, men will not frequent the hotels. I sincerely hope that the passer-by who so much disapproves of a traction engine pulling ujj in front of a hotel, will take *»-i active step for the removal of the licensed bar, and to remove the temptation, as there are many out threshing who look upon the drinking habit a? a "mug's game." There is no following where master and men are so closely associated together. They work together, have meal? together, and have the same whare or tent. Unless the men banded together to see the season through against many difficulties, the threshing would last a prolonged period. On behalf of my fellow-threshers.—Yours, etc., ONLY A BAG-SEWER, BUT A TOTAL ABSTAINER. Clarkvillo, April 12th.