MAN-POWER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10292, 29 May 1919, Page 6

MAN-POWER

A NATIONAL STOCKTAKING. LAND MONOPOLISTS TURNED DOWN. The ever-popmar London comic paper, “Puucn,” which has its more serious moments, published long years bfetore the world-war broke out uhe following suggestion with regard to a stocktaking of the man-power , of Britain:—

Many years ago a company of tradesmen united themselves into ii guild, and each one had to relate what he could contribute to its support. First, the blacksmith came forward, and said:

“Gentlemen, I wish to become a member of your guild,” “Well, what can you do?”

“Oh, I can make, springs and axles for your carriages, shoe your horses, and make all kinds of implements.” “Very well, come in, Mr Blacksmith.”

The mason applied for admission ‘Tito the- society.

“What can you dq, sir?” “I can build your barns, bridges, houses, and stables.” “Very well, come in; we cannot do without you.”

Along comes the shoemaker and says. “I wish to become a member of your society.” “Well, what can you do?”

“I can make boots and shoes for you.” “Come in, Mr Shoemaker; wo must have you.” In turn all the trades and professions applied till at last an individual came who wanted to become a member. “And what are you?” “I am a landlord.” “A landlord? And what can you do?”

“I can hunt and fish, and win prizes at pigeon matches.” “But what do you do for a livelihood?”

“Oh, I take toll of all of you. Tho labourer pays me for tho right to dig, the xuiner to burrow in the earth, and the bricklayer to build a house.” “But what can you do?” “I can make your laws, and when I have made them I can administer them. If a man snares a hare, I give him six months; if he shoots a snipe, 1 give him three. I can drive men to desperation, and to the uttermost parts of the earth. 1 can prevent .the erection of ottages, or the building of a Metho'dist chapel. I can lock on and take the large share of the prosperity of the farmer, the shopkeeper, and the manufacturer; I can keep up an army of paupers.” “And what else can you do?”

“I can bring the rreV hairs of the

'ed to the grave with sorrow: I can break the heart of ,he wife, and blast the prospects of men of talent end enterprise and fill the land wlfch more than the plagues of Egypt.” “Is that all you can do?”

Good heavens! is not that enough?”