THE HINDON LINE, OR AN EMIGRANT’S MISTAKE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 940, 23 April 1880, Page 3

THE HINDON LINE, OR AN EMIGRANT’S MISTAKE.

The above is the title of a short composition of four verses “written expressly for circulation in the Old Country by a navvy on tbe Hindoo Line,” and which is as follows : Why did I leave the dear old country, Wife and family far behind ? Why did 1 cross the stormy ocean, To come and navvy on the line ? They said that I’d get larger wages; And lots of work out here to do ; But I can scarcely earn my “ tucker,” And have to go without a shoe. Then stay at home my friends and Comrades, And do not think of coihing here • For though the papers Will deceive you, i will try to make it clear. The meat is cheap, I won’t deny it, And many other things.besides ; But when you can’t get Work to earn it, You have to travel far and wide. The line, they say, it is for paupers, \Vho can get nothing else to do ; Ami that’s the way they take and treat us, The same thing they would do to you. Then stay at home and do not chance them, To come out here to slave and pine, For you are sure to do no better, If y’ou come liavvying on the line. Oh, how can 1 get back to Scotia, And knock oil - working on the line ! Were there a load, I’m sure I’d walk it, And leave such treatment far behind. 1 know a way, I think f’ll try it, I’ll sell this srtng if it will do, And try to raise 1113’ passage lay it, And bid New Zealand a long adieu.