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to the local community, and how unpleasant consequences were kept in check through
the efforts of the local temperance organization.

The Cape Times: Friday, 4 May, 1883.

RAILWAY MECHANICS AT KALK BAY

To the Editor of the Cape Times :

SIR.- Railway workmen are generally regarded with but little favour. They come into a
neighbourhood as strangers, and offer many difficulties in the way of social
management, on account of their numbers and mixed nationalities. But at Kalk Bay the
European workmen have made a most favourable impression. The coloured labourers
belonging to the colony have behaved remarkably well. The [Africans] have given some
little trouble, though the majority of them have been peaceful and inoffensive. None of
these classes would give much anxiety, but for the evils of pay-day and the temptation
to drink. The contractors have said it would be a charity to deprive the greater number
of the labourers, immediately, of all the cash they receive, because until it is expended,
no work can be got out of them, and the drinking men become a curse to themselves and
to others. The experience derived from the Kalk Bay construction leaves no doubt on
the minds of disinterested observers that the temperance question is the most important
one of the day. To a small band of Gospel-temperance men is due the thanks of this
community that the railway workmen are in this place regarded with favour, and that
some who have left for other sources of work and influence, were parted with
sorrowfully, as they will be remembered with pleasure. ………

Mr. Munro, as a contractor, was always glad to encourage efforts for the well-being of
the men, and he gained the respect of all who knew him. Mr. Wilcock had the good
fortune to employ a body of masons who required no driving, but readily took the lead
in any good work. Two or three of them were musicians, and gladly availed themselves
of the offer made by the clergyman and the English school teacher, to meet in the school
room for reading, singing, or musical practice. They had their own code of laws for the
putting down of intemperance or profane swearing. It being a leading maxim that “there
is nothing like water”, they cured one man of the habit of using ugly expletives by
holding his head under the sea-waves until he vowed reformation.

Our friends of the line were members of different societies and various churches or
denominations; but all worked under English Church leadership, and all joined the Blue
Ribbon Army, or Gospel Temperance Society, of which Dr. Hole and his family wore
the distinguishing badge. Forty-four persons signed the Army pledge; and some of these
had never been looked upon as advocates, by word or example, of this excellent
movement. Before the departure of the workmen, who were the chief singers and
speakers, it was considered indispensable that there should be a social gathering for an
evening of tea, music, song, and the praise of water unadulterated. This was great
success. Nearly one hundred people sat down to tea at tables well filled with solid and
light refreshments, fruit and flowers. The Rector and Dr. Hole, with their families,