HARD LINES.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 163, 3 November 1883, Page 3

HARD LINES.

The wife of a " Line-Bepairer-in-Charge " of a Telegraph Office Lias sent a letter detailing, with, very evident feeling, her departmental troubles. Ifc appears ifc is compulsoiy that the wives of all " Line-Eepairers-in-Charge " shall, acquire the art of operating, bo that they shall be able to

take charge of their respective offices whenever 1 their husbands have to be away on duty. Her husband is often away for days together, and she has to take charge of the office. It may be said that, if the line is down, there is nothing for her to do. But the line is seldom down on both sides of a station at the same time. Our correspondent assures us that at these periods she is compelled to neglect her household duties, which to her is very embarrassing, as she has a large family of children to occupy her attention. The means afc her disposal do not permit her to employ a domestic. She is frequently bound to be in attendance at the office the whole week, or till " Good Night " is given along the wire ; besides one hour on Sundays. In no case has she ever an opportunity of taking a walk out with her husband. For all this trouble and all the inconveniences, she is paid by Government the munificent stipend of a few pounds a-year.

Choice out a woman's home-lite, Make her an office drudge, Make hers a dismal gloam-life — One overburdened trudge ! Then, lords of red-tape doom-life, Her lost joys' value judge.

The loss of homely pleasures, Of sweet, domestic cheer, 'Of all a fond wife treasures, Of all that makes home dear — A princely State-craft measures At a few 2?o itTi ds a year !