SHEARING SHEARERS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2693, 5 November 1881, Page 3

SHEARING SHEARERS.

There is a shoepowner on the Billabong who obtained his earliest lambing (down) experiences as landlord of a public-house. A shearer who writes as though he were an honest man, says that before work commenced this year, the hands inquired what price was to be charged them for mutton. They were informed 3d. per lb. They remonstrated, and urged that the customary rules of 10s per head for wethers and 7s Gd for ewes should be adopted. After some hesitation the master assented, and recommended them a Chinaman as cook, to which they agreed. When the shearing was about over Mr Blank obtained from the cook the book which contained the entries of mutton and rations consumed, and when the time of settlement came round stated that he had lost it, but “ to make things straight he had determined to charge the men only 15s 6d per week each,” which he deducted from their cheques. The shearers warmly protested, but without effect, as the owner was protected by a six-foot overseer, primed with coni whisky. They realised fully the position of the shearer shorn,—Australasian.”