The Colonies
And lastly, there is a craze about the colonies. There is no doubt a man who knows any trade or profession well, and can bear rough life, may find in the colonies openings denied to him here ; but the idea that any lad with a firepound note who reaches a colony can get on, is an illusion. He will be forced to work or starve, he will be compelled to " put his dignity in his pocket," and he will become shifty, and will therefore enjoy those extra advantages ; but if he would consent to enjoy them in England, he might get on as well. The single real advantage of emigration to the lad without a trade is that he is cut loose from home, as his grandfather was by a different set of circumstances, and forced, by an irresistible whip, to do what he can without picking and choosing. If the same whip could be applied in England, he would probably get on as well. So far from all lads succeeding in the colonies, a great number sink utterly in life, and become either overworked drudges, inmates of the almshouses, or whiskydrinkers, doomed to die early and be forgotten. — Spectator.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/FS18840129.2.25
Bibliographic details
Feilding Star, Volume V, Issue 11, 29 January 1884, Page 3
Word Count
202The Colonies Feilding Star, Volume V, Issue 11, 29 January 1884, Page 3
Using This Item
No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.
Log in