In the sub-heading of _Mr. Punch's_ Up-to-Date Nursery Rhyme, "New
King COAL" (August 19, p. 74), a very obvious error was made in
speaking of the colliers of Northumberland and Durham as "on strike,"
when in fact they were only "considering the advisability" of joining
their Welsh "brothers" and Midland "mates" in a collective stand
against the coal-owners. Since then, _Mr. Punch_ is glad to know, they
have "thought better of it," and have _not_ joined the strike--having,
perhaps, given "thoughtful consideration" to _Mr. Punch's_ friendly
conundrum. "The bearings" of the New Nursery Rhyme "lie in its
application," and are not altered by the writer's slip of the pen, to
which, however, _Mr. Punch_ thanks various vigilant readers for, very
properly, calling his attention.
To the men's Federation 'twas _Punchius_ spoke:
"The Capitalist can drink fizz and can smoke;
And why should a lad who has eyes and can see,
Follow fools like a lamb, and lose much _L_ _s._ _d._
Northumberland, Durham decline to come forth.
When strikes suit the south they may not suit the north;
So let every man who loves honour and right,
Essay _Arbitration_ in lieu of brute fight!"
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NO DOUBT OF IT.--Of course the admission detracts from our "LIKA
JOKO'S" artistic skill, but evidently Mr. SWIFT-TO-AVENGE MACNEILL is
a person very easily "drawn."
* * * * *
Coal Mine Owners have no big difficulties to contend with; in this
life they have only to meet _miner_ troubles.
* * * * *