WATERSIDERS' WAYZGOOSE

NZ Truth, Issue 507, 6 March 1915, Page 5

WATERSIDERS' WAYZGOOSE

; ♦ Proletarian Plugs at Play The Bhoys Bear Down on Belmont First Picnic Since the Strike On Tuesday, March 2, the Wellington Watersiders held their annual picnic — the first picnic since the strike. Most periods of time with the wharfie date from before or after "the strike." It is a sort of milestone on the road of Time, and that stone, is the time when the owners of the earth and their ten bob a week myrmidons came down to enforce law and order and break the principle, which the Watersiders considered worth fighting for. The. "producers," who couldn't produce a leather hinge for a gate or a nail for a butter box of their own initiative, had their picnic then. "Truth's" scribe boarded the secondhand string of exalted soap-boxes whfch are used to cart the carters and wharfies out to their picnics. On the train a certain individual who had a flask containing a quantity of amber fluid, would persist m telling his companions m n not unmusical voice that it was a considerable distance to a 'certain Irish town. Also that a certain portion of his anatomy (the seat of his affection) was located m that district. From the genial aspect of the fellow, his good-natured smile and the fun he produced, "Truth's" scribe takes It . that the latter part of his song is untrue. He very kindly requested all and sundry to have a spot and help him TO DESTROY THE DEMON within the virtuous casement. Yielding to entreaty, "Truth's" scribe destroyed a small portion of the devil. Unfortunately, he was the only person "Truth"- saw among the whole throng who was possessed of similar devils, the nearest stock being at the Lower Hutt... It was the first breath of winter that breathed o'er the workers as they poured over Mr. Clarke's ground at Belmont, and, for a while, it seemed as if a refrigerator of frozen mutton had been let loose. A raucous-voiced individual, with a gramaphono funnel adjusted to his vocal orifice, announced that candidates were wanted for ''th' 'undred yards' 'andlcap." They lined up and ran as swiftly as tram cars ahead of time. " 'Ere, ole wumman, wheer's yah got the sandwidges?" asked one watersider of his grand dame. The dialects of Lanky, York and other shires pf ole Hingland were to be heard pretty frequently, and that of Scotia and the Gem Isle were not wanting. Suddenly the sun began to shine, and it shone with the genial warmth of the face of the fellow who had requested "Truth's" scribe" to destroy the amber devil m the pale glass house. Then the skin of the defunct goat was beaten m an energetic manner. The air of Masseyland was blown through torqued brass instruments and a pleasing succession of sounds resulted. The Infection caught some of the ladles, and, before long, they and their partners were moving and ' SWAYING IN THE RHYTHMIC WALTZ. Soon they detached themselves m twos — some times two girls would swing out. Then two squires of the afterhold would break up the combination and form a couple of fresh Ones. Thus, under the blue dome did Youth and beauty meet, To shake the fleeting hours with flying feet. The peoplo of the wharves and streets were enjoying themselves — dancing on the surface of the earth by permission ot its owner. There were all sorts of races for prizes, generously donated by diiTcront tradesmen and shopkeepers— the coal.heaver's race, the "ateevle's" race, and one race which was called "the liquor specialist's" race. "Truth's" rep. tried to find the genial chap whoso heart is somewhere m China. In that particular event ho would have been "right there." There were groups — families ln some instances— seated under the trees energetically engaged m masticating sandwiches and cakes and imbibing tea. The kiddles were enjoying the freedom of the wide spaces and romped and played as if they owned the country. (The cheek o' the wurking class!) Unfortunately the Guv'ment had commandeered all their odor-cars for the front, and so most of the wharfies had left their dress suit at 'Ome, not wishing to have them soiled by riding m railway trucks. But a little thing like that shouldn't have troubled them. What on earth they find lo do with the eight quid a week which they are constantly earning (vide squatters' organs at strike timo). "Truth" can't imagine. They must have It Invested In mortgages over the broad acres of the groaning squatters, i None of them were extravagantly dressed, although all were clean and tidy. "Truth" rather suspects that a trust or combination of the wharfies and the Sydney newsboys (who have I been eurnlng from ten to twelve quid a week) will be the ultimate result of all this high wage paying business, and then the money market will be rigged i ! to such an extent that the poor "producer" will have to demand two bob a j pound for his word and half-a-caser ! for the butter. "Truth" can't see how they are possibly going for THEIR ANNUAL WORLD'S TOUR, or how they can possibly buy the latest make of motor car. if they don't. Poor things. The day went quicker and quicker and, at last, the men who handle tho heavy goods and stand under great slings of swinging merchandise and machinery, mnde back to their mansions !n the city. They evidently enjoyed themselves, and to them it was no doubt the end of a perfect day. To "Truth's" scribe Jt savored very much of the song of the tired workers In Upton Sinclair's "Jungle," where the guestß at the wedding of Ynrgis sing In mournful rhythm, "In the good old summer time, the good old summer time." and nearly go to sleep m the process. So do the poor enjoy their treats.