THE CAREER OF A WORKING MAN.

Otago Witness, Issue 846, 15 February 1868, Page 14

THE CAREER OF A WORKING MAN.

We do not intend to select an exceptional case in noting a few facts in the life of the mechanic whose course is the subject of this paragraph : this case is chosen because it isjnot exceptional ; there are hundreds of a similar character, and the encouragement to young and struggling mechanics is all the more valuable. A short time ago the workmen employed by Mr John Snowdon, the proprietor of the Snowdon Iron Works, of Brownsville, Fayette county, Pa., made him a presentation as an evidence of their respect, and esteem for him as a man and employer. Fifty years ago Mr Snowdon came from Yorkshire, England, and settled in Brownsville. He went to work as a blacksmith for one dollar per day. After a time he started business for himself, his bed the floor, his table a box, and' his seat a block. He gained slowly, until he succeeded in erecting and putting in operation a foundry, machine, and pattern shop, employing 200 hands. He has built the machinery for about 300 steamboats, some to run on the Monongahela, on which Brownsville is situated, some for the Ohio, Missouri, Mississippi, the lakes, and gunboats for the Government to run on the Eio Grande and the sea. Iron bridges and all descriptions of engineering machinery have also formed a part of his manufactures. For more than 40 years he has aided in building \ip his section of the country, and during a good part of tl*e time furnished employment to a large number of workmen.

Many men have done greater things, met.with more notable success, and been better known in the world, bub Mr Snowdon's course is none the less instructive because unobtrusive. It is simply that which is open to hundreds of others who unite with common capabilities for business, industry, perseverance, and will.— Scientific American.*

It is stated by the Wellington Independent that His Excellency the Governor will leave for Auckland during the first week in March, for the purpose of receiving the Prince, who is expected to arrive there o» the 29th of that month.