THE CREDIT SYSTEM.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 103, 3 February 1871, Page 3

THE CREDIT SYSTEM.

(To the Editor of the Mo'trNT Ida Chkonicle.) Sir',—There' is a class of'. men who peiioaically appear and disappear, making regular tours of the G-oldfielck townships, run up credits as high as they can, and then leave rather in a hurry—the tradesmen taking it for granted that nothing can be done.. Consequently, as the tradesmen as well as other men nrust live, the general: public has indirectly to pay. I believe this could be in a great measure put a stop to in many ways; but perhaps the most effective scheme would be one which should contain in it some phase by which these longlegged gentlemen might find them-

selves branded with the shame which they deserve. For a rough scheme, let me suggest the following : Suppose all those the tradesmen of the district; —were to meet, form a Trades Union, and appoint a. Vigilance Committee of three or more. The duties of this Committee to be the following: —(1.) To take note« of any of the liyht-le-jged gentry, their names, nom deplumes, description, general appearances, defalcations, &c. (It should be the duty of each member of the Union to supply such facts to the Committee ; this might almost extend to procuring-prints of photographs, which generally anight be done, the bolters as a rule being addicted to small vanities as soap, scents, &c.)—(2.) To forward all such facts and particulars at once to the_Vigil.ance Committees of all Trades Unions or other bodies who might choose to put themselves in communication with the Mount Ida Union—of course, rendering equivalents. By this means, or by soraet ing similar, the professional bolter would find himself with no credit and the branded rogue he deserves to be. I should be very glad' to take part in any such scheme, and also would undertake to endeavor, to effect a similar movement in Clyde, which I have no doubt would extend to every Goldfields township in the Province. Probably ss. a-year would be the sole expense on the members. This Trades Union might extend its operations to many other' equally desirable objects, which I have not thought it necessary to suggest, as they will at once occur to those' interested. -r-I am, &c, v

One of the Short-legged Gentry,