"What's the matter with you?" Dad hollered, with his customary outstretched neck. "I'm talking to you.  What's the job like?"  he said glaring, determined to get a reply.

"Dad, I can't hear properly."

After lunch, he returned with me to the yard to confront the Works manager, and to request my cards, which were prepared and sent on. The manager was that day told what kind of man he was, and we returned home, with the ol' man venting his anger every step of the way. Apparently, or so we were informed:

"Everyone in the boiler shop is supplied with ear plugs, but your son, Mr. Thomas, was somehow missed out."

I firmly believe that the noise would have got to me even if I was encased in concrete. Those few hours at Caerphilly railway sheds certainly made me appreciate the quieter working environments that followed in succeeding years.

After a few days, when my hearing had returned to normal, and under strict orders from my Dad, I began making regular visits to the Labour Exchange.

"At least twice a week," he said, in order that I might obtain an apprenticeship on the new local house building scheme.

The local council had devised a scheme to have small estates of houses built in the area using only apprenticed labour, each trade to work under the supervision of skilled tradesmen employed by nominated local builders.

For months my visits to the Exchange continued, as instructed. The indifferent staff became increasingly hostile, even threatening.  Eventually, the Exchange manager shouted over to me:

"It's no good you coming 'ere making a nuisance of yourself thinkin' that will get you the job. We've got your name and address.  Don't come 'ere again."

I refrained the following week. But the week after that I went to see them as usual, and was told:

"Oh, yes. Come to think of it, we did have a few vacancies last week, but they've all bin taken!"

The effect of these words, and his gloating manner, was like a lead weight in the pit of my stomach. He paused and stared, in anticipation of an outburst or a downcast expression. I was determined not to give him the satisfaction, so instead I nodded, turned, and walked quietly out. But I did feel dejected, my hopes had been dashed.

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