A CABINET-MAKER.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1326, 2 January 1912, Page 4

A CABINET-MAKER.

"SOLID MAHOGANY ONLY." Amongst the many -communications -received by Mr. W. P. Massey since (ho recent sad defeat .of Sir' Joseph Ward at the hustings (says the Auckland "Herald") thero was «t least one from a born humorist. Everybody knows that when the present Prime Minister shall have niiulc up his reluctant mind to givo up the reins of ollice, Mr- Masscy will , be sent for by the Governor, or in sbme other constitutional way installed in the lnle leader's place. Here is what the secretary of n certain furniture union said to Mr, Massey in a letter anticipating the coming change:—"lf you are not already aware of the fact I beg to notify you that our union has had preference to unionists' granted to it by the Arbitration Court. It will, therefore, be' necessary for you, when you tike up your new position as Prime Minister, to become a member of our union, as there aro cabinetmakers belonging to it who are out of work. I do not want to be placed in the position- of having to take action against your employers for a breach of the award, and as no doubt you will be given permanent employment, if found suitable, then I think it. is 'up lo you' to immediately join. Awaiting your application, 1 remain," etc.

Mr. Masscy. entering into the spirit of the joke, replied to his correspondent in the. following terms:—"l have to acknowledge your favour, calling my attention to'the fact that as it may be my duty iji the near future-to take, up tho business of cabinet-making, it will bo necessary for me to bec-orue a member of your union. As I am desirous of complying with the laws of the country, and tho customs of the industry, I shall be glad if you will_ enrol my narae_ as a member of the union, in tho ordinary way. I may bo permitted to mention here that, in order to ensure permanent employment, and at the same time bo a credit to the union, I am nnsious that the material and workmanship of my first Cabinet shall be of the very best. As material, I propose to use solid mahogany only, and consequently no veneer, however skilful. Furthermore, in the way of workmanship I hope to put together a Cabinet superior to anything seen in, Now Zealand for many years past."