THE NAVVIES' LAMENT.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume 1, Issue 13, 12 March 1892, Page 6

THE NAVVIES' LAMENT.

Between Paeroa and Te Aroha With the spade and the barrow A good cheque we intended to make, But at eightpence a yard We find it too hard <Fur us to buy currants forcake.

ITou will see When I explain There is nothing you can gain So easy from this Government of ours.' They think a working.man Ought,not to care a d n •If he makes five shillings in eight hours,

In this they make mistake, With me so at anyrate, And as for our gang I can safely speak; ' Bather than take it, Government-can keep it, And willingly we all agree to peak. i When you take up your section Then they draw your attention To the money men are making up north. They must get plenty gum . - Or it cannot be done As represented by men in black cloth. The paid men that tell the tale, . I think never had to sail. , In water up to their waist as we. do. ;" But wait a while, old man, ■' Your life's race is not ran, " There's plenty time to be a cockatoo. Though some of those young .jokers. With collars and white chokers Through influence, they get a good billet., They must not be too fast In case tide turns at last And leaves them in some big drain to . feel it. All I ask, and once for all, When Mr Shaw gives us a call He'll sea his way to give us double pay, For we've made up'our mind Another job to find Unless we can make eight shillings a day. Number twelve is our section And our gang is perfection, A. Geraty's our gaffer, so you see - If Shaw, won't fix the books We'll all take our hooks : , ' . " Where more than five shillings is .the, ■ •fee. ~ , -: ;j. l" vi -