WHERE IS MY JOB?

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19848, 17 January 1920, Page 8

WHERE IS MY JOB?

■ fr DEMOBILISED MEN NOT "WANTED. There were five of them round the table (writes A.W.E. in “The Daily Express”). All were marked by their now clothes, brown faces, and general appearance as demobilised men. Tho conversation, which had been interrupted by my entrance, was resumed when I had given my order and settled down. “Oh, yes, the old fellow was quite nice about it. So sorry, but said ns how the reduced staff during the war had been very successful, and that tho firm had come to see that they were overstaffed in the old days. The only men they were taking back were managers and one or two skilled men they had never been able to replace.” He was not grumbling, but simply stated his case as one who invites comment or suggestion. SUPPLANTED. Tire slight man in blue serge on his right nodded. “ Much the same as me, mate. Before the war book-keeping and shorthand wore ray lino. I’m a bit rusty now, and the girl who's got my job is a first-rater, and has typing as well. A good testimonial and'the promise of the first vacancy is all right, but that isn’t a job.” The big fellow' across the table shook his head sympathetically. “Hard luck, boy, and there were, always so many coves for your job before the war. Pin lucky. 1 got my job back according to promise, hut I’m not howling with joy somehow. Everything is so different in tho shop. they’re all strangers except tho boss, and there ain’t tho same pally feeling there used to he. Funny, too, how tired and fed up you feci, shut up in tho shop all day.” Another man explained that although his job was safe, they had to work, since it was impossible lor tho work to regain normal conditions until the supply of timber increased. WHY NOT? The jolly-faccd little chap at tho end of the table laughed, lit his cigarette, pushed back his chair, and rose to go. “Look here, you chaps. I’ll tell you what I’ve done. I’ve had a thumping good time on my back pay, and I’m having a trip up to Glasgow to some relatives on my gratuity. When that’s over I’m going down to the depot to see the old sergeant-major, and PR say to him, ‘Please take care of me.’ In a month from now the old orderly-room sergeant wifi write ‘Do-engaged’ after my name. No worry about grub or lodgings for me. I’ve done three years with shell fire in Fhince, and now when I’ve had my fling I’ll he a peacetime soldier. Cheerio!” As tho door closed after him they looked at each other silently for a few moments. Tnen the clerk "murmured, “ Well, that’s one solution,” to which the big fellow murmured, “and a cl good one, too!” When Influenza is raging, take “NAZOL” Best salegnard against attack. cant test reliever to sufferers 1 1 oin colds, catarrh, and sore throat.