, 1872-11-20

'N"'Ni ia W ptCUNSu Will It's hllOWtIJS
tull we'll, how things fare especially in the
British Colonies.
The labourers must understand, that they
would have died from starvation, had these
yearly contracts not existed. Their provi-
+ vision grounds yielding in a bad yoar but
very little, bit that daily pay secured them
from want, and the one year must make
amends for the other.
1t is very joyous, that task work is
allowed, but it appears to the subscriber,
that no further regulations should exist,
particularly as they will not be kept Let
1t depend upon those concerned, and the
smart Planter will see, that it is not right
and even injurious in the result to continue
the work too long at once, and further
more, that after very fatiguing work it is
also very IN urlOus to have the whole of the
afternoon free. 1t causes plenty to idle
about, but at the same time induces the
dllIgent to work the remainder of the day
IN his provision ground and thereby over
work himself 1t is a known fact, that
plenty get sudden Ill during the field work,
and even die, and by examination 1t will
mostly be found out, that it is just the in
dustrlous, who in the morning and noon
works In his ground and exhausted
to the estate work. It must also be re-
membered, what does our labourers food
consist OF, and what strength can they get
from it. Two hours rest at noon in the
warmest time is necessary, and at all events
that time ought not to be used for the la
borious task-work. A law to this effect
is meanwhile usele SIS. The law will never
ba EnTF avoovf fhn Dlon+or coos AIo dc
advantage, and the Labourer will rather
overwork himself to earn so much more
and then appropriate the remainder of the
day for bis W purposes
With regard to working on Saturdays it
is once theirs, and they ought doubtless to
have it perfectly at their disposal. In q
busy season a higher pay will not alone be
requested but also granted with pleasure,
and as this work mostly will be task, it is
even very good to provide for them, which
hitherto mostly has been done, some re-
freshments, as they never bring anything
with them on such days, but this ought
undoubtedly not to be included in the
agreed payment, and especially with re-
gard to Spirits, as well on Saturdays as
other days. But why have Laws to this
effect? they will never be kept and only
give occasion to the dangerous system of
accusation. Such restrictions should be
agreed upon mutual, and the "Agricul-
tural Society ought particular to give
Laws for its members in this and many
other directions Tin fact to unfold much
more activity is very much d~esired), and a
breach of such laws exclude the member
guilty at least for q time.
We know full we'll, that Is cts. are not
much, but the more orderly Labourer has
many ways of earning a little Extra with
out using unlawful sources or privileges,
which on no consideration ought to be en-
dured. The Labourer must have his rights
and dues, but the manager should not over
look the many petty transgressions of the
law, which daily takes place. 1t is by far
an easy task to be a clever Manager, he
has not alone to be smart in his real capa-
city, but he must understand to treat his
people in a firm and still liberal way, give
them advice and assistance and reconcile
their minor disputes.
No one knows better than the Doctor,
how much sham-sickness and avoiding
work takes place, owing from slight indis-
positions, hardly noticed by others, but to
allow to retain their money for two days