THE “CHIEF.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2474, 31 August 1922, Page 2

THE “CHIEF.”

Under the old, old stringency The Printer’s office stands; The Chief, a busy man is he, He works with brain and hands; He writes and prints the district ’news, And news from other lands. His hair is growing thin and* grey VHis face is slightly wan, His brain is often in a sweat When writing for the man Who looks the whole world in the face, But pays not every man. Day after day, night after night, His’service is required; He dresses up their tame remarks Until they seem inspired. And no one thinks the printerman Is ever feeling tired. He goes on Sunday to the Church; He must not miss the hall; He lias to note within the Court The fate of those who fall. All through the week no meeting .missed, He must he fair to all. He sets some leaders at the case, And some with ink are penned; And'some, like rockets blazing forth Their warning message send; Nor cares he whom the truth may please, Nor whom if may offend. They call upon him for a "sub,” Or for a gratis “ad;” And may, to pave the way, remark: “That leader was not bad.’’ He never turns a caller down, Xor dreams be lias been had. The Chief sits down and bids them stay; Xo cash is in the till; His pass-book, once a treat to see, Xow shows his credit nil. Vnd on the morrow, rich or poor, He has to meet a hill. / Bills falling due and wages sheets Vre ever on his mind; He sees his debtors everywhere, But they are always blind. And in his soul the mill performs its everlasting grind. .Mouthing, whistling, shuffling, l’p to the Chief he goes; Tis the “Devil" for copy again, With ink on bis beggarly nose—- “ There's half-a-eolumn to fill, sir, Vnd Jim's dropped a form on his toes.” Scribbling, comping, dunning, Onward the Chief must go. To write, to sleep, to dream of cash, And wake to find it slow; Vnd perhaps to sink, while others grin. Vnd pay not what they owe.