FARMING AND FOXHUNTING 



tunity was taken to install a new foreman. But the 

 charm of the evening was reached when eventually 

 one got these pilot men on their feet : they knew 

 what to do. The excitement, the wit and humour 

 which passed was amazing. The chief engine-driver 

 was called upon for a song, and he advanced steadily 

 towards the piano and then turned and asked if 

 he was permitted to say a few words. " Well," he 

 said, " I should like to congratulate the new fore- 

 man on his appointment. I have worked with 

 him for many years, and I am quite certain the 

 governor is right in giving him the job. Jim — I 

 beg his pardon — Mr. Pressy, is a man who can do 

 a day's work and knows what a day's work is, and 

 I think we shall all get on with him the very best." 

 Much to the master's satisfaction, this speech was 

 received with great acclamation, bringing as it 

 did good feeling all round and an atmosphere of 

 unity. 



Later on the new foreman was called upon to 

 respond, and naturally was a little nonplussed as 

 to how to tackle the new situation. However, he 

 got into his stride by saying, " I am a little nervous 

 in taking on the new post ; however, by the expres- 

 sions of goodwill I am encouraged to take on the 

 job. I am just a little shy with some of these head 

 dairymen and head shepherds. They know a bit 

 too much about their jobs for me to interfere on 

 their domains ; however, I feel quite sure that I 

 shall get their support, and as for the master, well, 

 I have worked for him a good many years, and I 

 think I shall know how to manage him. He men- 



56 



