Smoko: bring the boys home, Soorley's train of thought and the end of an era

Saltbush Bill, JP, proclaimed that "there is no such thing as an unemployed tradesman, just an underemployed one", referring to the black economy that still flourishes despite the GST.

A fortnight after losing their jobs, our working-class heroes had experiences as varied as their characters. Taff remains unemployed, suspicious that his union activities have earned him a place on job agency blacklists. Elvis is picking up a few days casual work here and there, and considering going back to the mines. Saltbush Bill, JP, found a cushy public service job (half his bloody luck!) that should see him out to retirement. The Snowman scored a job with a truck dealer. Penguin, is considering a lease on a workshop, though he continually threatens to return to New Zealand. Sanjeev has gone fishing, and won’t bother looking for work until the New Year. Give him a wave if you’re out on Moreton Bay.

What about yours truly? Fortunately, I found a job at a smaller workshop not too far distant. Pays better, and is a more modern shed. Even better, we have a regular smoko van! So I guess I have fallen on my feet. The three characters I work most directly with take a little getting used to, but are great to know. They remind me of that spaghetti western, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

Got to run know, the smoko van is tooting its horn! Hope there are some pies left. See you next month.