A Great Tale, told by a man A Great Tale, told by a man named “Jamal Buring”named “Jamal Buring”

Chapter 1 Chapter 1 –– The Story of my LifeThe Story of my Life

Off to work again. Counting the days like grains of Off to work again. Counting the days like grains of sand, as they pass by slowly and carelessly. Boredom sand, as they pass by slowly and carelessly. Boredom

is all I have left. I was raised to be bored! Stupid is all I have left. I was raised to be bored! Stupid is all I have left. I was raised to be bored! Stupid is all I have left. I was raised to be bored! Stupid work. Every darn day I’m off to the Boot Factory, work. Every darn day I’m off to the Boot Factory,

working my ass off, coming home huffing and puffing working my ass off, coming home huffing and puffing and doing nothing but sitting on the couch reading and doing nothing but sitting on the couch reading the paper, while my dog “Scar” drools all over my the paper, while my dog “Scar” drools all over my

filthy work uniform. I guess you can say the story of filthy work uniform. I guess you can say the story of my life is another word for BOREDOM!!!my life is another word for BOREDOM!!!

This is the Boot Factory I work This is the Boot Factory I work at, but I tend to call it the at, but I tend to call it the

“Human Slaughter House!”“Human Slaughter House!”

I actually think that I could live a much more active I actually think that I could live a much more active and happier life if just 3 things in my life were and happier life if just 3 things in my life were changed. You’re probably going to want to hear what changed. You’re probably going to want to hear what these 3 things are now, aren’t you? Well, I’ll tell you! these 3 things are now, aren’t you? Well, I’ll tell you!

Chapter 2 Chapter 2 –– The Missing PiecesThe Missing Pieces

these 3 things are now, aren’t you? Well, I’ll tell you! these 3 things are now, aren’t you? Well, I’ll tell you! The 3 things that must be changed in order for me to The 3 things that must be changed in order for me to have an immensely successful life would be:have an immensely successful life would be:

1.1. Repetition of workloadsRepetition of workloads2.2. Earning a higher incomeEarning a higher income3.3. My familyMy family

Chapter 3 Chapter 3 -- RepetitionRepetition

So, let me explain myself with these 3 So, let me explain myself with these 3 changes. Firstly, repetition of workload changes. Firstly, repetition of workload means what I need to do everyday and means what I need to do everyday and

how it is like a set routine. I mean, how it is like a set routine. I mean, every single day is a challenge to get every single day is a challenge to get every single day is a challenge to get every single day is a challenge to get

through and it’s mostly because of the through and it’s mostly because of the hard work I have to do and how it never hard work I have to do and how it never

changes. There’s no variety when it changes. There’s no variety when it comes to work. It’s always the exact comes to work. It’s always the exact same thing all over again and again. same thing all over again and again.

Just like DéjàJust like Déjà--Vu! This is what I mean Vu! This is what I mean by Boredom!by Boredom!

Chapter 4 Chapter 4 –– My IncomeMy Income

Let’s look at how much money I earn Let’s look at how much money I earn and what I spend it on. I work 14 hours and what I spend it on. I work 14 hours

each and every day which means I each and every day which means I work almost 100 hours a week and work almost 100 hours a week and

received about 20 shillings ($2.00) a received about 20 shillings ($2.00) a received about 20 shillings ($2.00) a received about 20 shillings ($2.00) a week. Since most of my life is spent at week. Since most of my life is spent at

work, I tend to sleep outside the work, I tend to sleep outside the factory on a rag with my only friend factory on a rag with my only friend Scar, my dog. All I can afford is a few Scar, my dog. All I can afford is a few slices of ham or cheese each week. On slices of ham or cheese each week. On

really bad weeks I usually visit the really bad weeks I usually visit the nearest church and eat the Eucharist nearest church and eat the Eucharist just because I’m hungry, since I don’t just because I’m hungry, since I don’t

believe in God. believe in God.

Chapter 5 Chapter 5 –– No Family, No No Family, No Purpose (Part 1)Purpose (Part 1)

This is the harshest tale I shall ever repeat. This is This is the harshest tale I shall ever repeat. This is harsh because of what I lost and how I lost it. It was harsh because of what I lost and how I lost it. It was

during November of 1895 at my workplace which is the during November of 1895 at my workplace which is the Boot Factory. I felt excellent at the start of the day Boot Factory. I felt excellent at the start of the day because I had one of my first days off. My boss said because I had one of my first days off. My boss said because I had one of my first days off. My boss said because I had one of my first days off. My boss said that I could have a break for this one day and have a that I could have a break for this one day and have a

day with my family. My mother, father and 2 brothers day with my family. My mother, father and 2 brothers all arranged for a family camping trip on that very day. all arranged for a family camping trip on that very day. Just as we were about to set of together, I got a phone Just as we were about to set of together, I got a phone call from my boss saying he was low on workers and call from my boss saying he was low on workers and

needed my assistance. After a long dispute, I needed my assistance. After a long dispute, I regrettably gave in to his demanding voice and left my regrettably gave in to his demanding voice and left my

family to go and work. family to go and work.

Chapter 5 Chapter 5 –– No Family, No No Family, No Purpose (Part 2)Purpose (Part 2)

Even though I left, my family still went on the camping trip. Even though I left, my family still went on the camping trip. After a long days work, I returned home extremely exhausted. After a long days work, I returned home extremely exhausted. Creeping up to my front door slowly and quietly, I felt a hand Creeping up to my front door slowly and quietly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Turning around shocked and puzzled, it was on my shoulder. Turning around shocked and puzzled, it was Fullabur my nextFullabur my next--door neighbor. He looked sad, worried and door neighbor. He looked sad, worried and Fullabur my nextFullabur my next--door neighbor. He looked sad, worried and door neighbor. He looked sad, worried and

frightened. “What is the matter?” I asked wondrously. He then frightened. “What is the matter?” I asked wondrously. He then fell to his knees and began to cry. Once again I asked him fell to his knees and began to cry. Once again I asked him

“What is the matter?” He looked up with bloodshot eyes and “What is the matter?” He looked up with bloodshot eyes and silently whispered “When you open that door, you will see silently whispered “When you open that door, you will see

what the matter is.” After unlocking the door with the keys, I what the matter is.” After unlocking the door with the keys, I pushed it open and as it creaked open I continued wondering pushed it open and as it creaked open I continued wondering what had happened. I walked inside the house and it was just what had happened. I walked inside the house and it was just

as I thought. I fell to the ground and started crying with as I thought. I fell to the ground and started crying with Fullabur. Fullabur.

Chapter 5 Chapter 5 –– No Family, No No Family, No Purpose (Part 3)Purpose (Part 3)

The most horrible event of my life occurred. The house was empty and The most horrible event of my life occurred. The house was empty and so I knew the situation. After further investigation I discovered that so I knew the situation. After further investigation I discovered that all 4 of the members of my family had been violently attacked by a all 4 of the members of my family had been violently attacked by a

Grizzly Bear in the forest. This left me with my mind set on one Grizzly Bear in the forest. This left me with my mind set on one thing, Suicide!!! It went through my head many times and I finally thing, Suicide!!! It went through my head many times and I finally thing, Suicide!!! It went through my head many times and I finally thing, Suicide!!! It went through my head many times and I finally made up my mind to kill myself. I started thinking “I should have made up my mind to kill myself. I started thinking “I should have been there with them. I should be dead now. I gave up a final trip been there with them. I should be dead now. I gave up a final trip

with my family to go and work. To do something I already do with my family to go and work. To do something I already do enough of.” All I wanted to do was stab myself. This was until I enough of.” All I wanted to do was stab myself. This was until I

found “Scar” (my dog) shortly afterwards in a dumpster. He leaped found “Scar” (my dog) shortly afterwards in a dumpster. He leaped out of the dumpster and jumped on top of my with glee. At that out of the dumpster and jumped on top of my with glee. At that

moment I became his friend and promised him I would be with him moment I became his friend and promised him I would be with him until either of us died. As sorrowful as it was to lose 4 family until either of us died. As sorrowful as it was to lose 4 family members, I realized that there was still a fifth member, Scar!members, I realized that there was still a fifth member, Scar!

Chapter 6 Chapter 6 –– The Factory and The Factory and the Law (Part 1)the Law (Part 1)

During my time at the factory, I encountered During my time at the factory, I encountered many things which I don’t wish upon anyone many things which I don’t wish upon anyone

else. The economy was disgraceful. Most else. The economy was disgraceful. Most people in the area worked in factories just people in the area worked in factories just people in the area worked in factories just people in the area worked in factories just

like me and were treated like slaves. Lots of like me and were treated like slaves. Lots of children worked too in order to get into the children worked too in order to get into the

places adults couldn’t reach. These were places adults couldn’t reach. These were normally dangerous places and places where normally dangerous places and places where the equipment tended to fail and I have seen the equipment tended to fail and I have seen

many children die from these work situations many children die from these work situations before my very own eyes.before my very own eyes.

Chapter 6 Chapter 6 –– The Factory and The Factory and the Law (Part 2)the Law (Part 2)

Don’t even get me started on the way women were treated. Don’t even get me started on the way women were treated. During 1901 over 20% of workers were women. They were During 1901 over 20% of workers were women. They were normally just domestic servants who worked as maids, normally just domestic servants who worked as maids, normally just domestic servants who worked as maids, normally just domestic servants who worked as maids,

servants and cooks earning very little for their hard work servants and cooks earning very little for their hard work and efforts. Some servants were actually seduced and and efforts. Some servants were actually seduced and became pregnant and others were often sacked and became pregnant and others were often sacked and

thrown out onto the streets alone and with no support. In thrown out onto the streets alone and with no support. In 1896, NSW passed it’s first “Factories and Shops Act” in 1896, NSW passed it’s first “Factories and Shops Act” in

attempt to reduce hours and improve working conditions, attempt to reduce hours and improve working conditions, however these laws were mostly ignored.however these laws were mostly ignored.

Chapter 6 Chapter 6 –– The Factory and The Factory and the Law (Part 3)the Law (Part 3)

Inspectors actually noticed that workers wouldn’t tell on their Inspectors actually noticed that workers wouldn’t tell on their bosses, because they were afraid of being sacked. Also, moving bosses, because they were afraid of being sacked. Also, moving

onto other issues, many workers went on strike during the onto other issues, many workers went on strike during the 1890’s to protest their inhumane conditions however the 1890’s to protest their inhumane conditions however the 1890’s to protest their inhumane conditions however the 1890’s to protest their inhumane conditions however the confrontations were normally violent and bitter. These confrontations were normally violent and bitter. These

protests actually encouraged unions to reform the political protests actually encouraged unions to reform the political system through the ballot box. The council of the Australian system through the ballot box. The council of the Australian

Labor Federation first met on the 1Labor Federation first met on the 1stst of August in 1890 and of August in 1890 and formed the basics of the Australian Labor Party. All who were formed the basics of the Australian Labor Party. All who were a part of it wanted all adult white people in Australia to have a part of it wanted all adult white people in Australia to have higher wages and better working conditions. Many of these higher wages and better working conditions. Many of these

members also believed strongly in SOCIALISM!members also believed strongly in SOCIALISM!

Chapter 7 Chapter 7 –– Cultural and Cultural and Aboriginal LaborAboriginal Labor

In New South Wales towards the west, all pastoralists relied In New South Wales towards the west, all pastoralists relied immensely on Aboriginal Labor. Aboriginal workers were immensely on Aboriginal Labor. Aboriginal workers were

allowed to live on the property and were given some allowed to live on the property and were given some handouts of food in return for working for the landowner. handouts of food in return for working for the landowner. handouts of food in return for working for the landowner. handouts of food in return for working for the landowner.

Chapter 8 Chapter 8 –– Narrator to Narrator to InstigatorInstigator

Now that I have informed you briefly on the social, Now that I have informed you briefly on the social, political and cultural aspects of Australia and it’s political and cultural aspects of Australia and it’s

working conditions around the late 1800’s and working conditions around the late 1800’s and working conditions around the late 1800’s and working conditions around the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, let me leave you now as a bit of a early 1900’s, let me leave you now as a bit of a

narrator and let me head off to work now or else narrator and let me head off to work now or else my boss will kill me. I mean it’s already 6:00am on my boss will kill me. I mean it’s already 6:00am on the 1st of August in 1904. I’m guessing that now I’ll the 1st of August in 1904. I’m guessing that now I’ll

put you in my body for today and I’ll let you see put you in my body for today and I’ll let you see what work is like now in 1904. what work is like now in 1904.

Chapter 9 Chapter 9 –– Off to WorkOff to Work

I began taking off to work down the seemingly mile long I began taking off to work down the seemingly mile long street looking across the road and seeing such different street looking across the road and seeing such different

faces from those in the late 1800’s. I see many more smiles faces from those in the late 1800’s. I see many more smiles overpowering the old systems. So, why are there so many overpowering the old systems. So, why are there so many overpowering the old systems. So, why are there so many overpowering the old systems. So, why are there so many smiles? Well, simply because of many recent events which smiles? Well, simply because of many recent events which

have taken place mostly because of the brief prime have taken place mostly because of the brief prime minister ship of John Watson. He became the first ever minister ship of John Watson. He became the first ever

Labor Prime Minister during April this year (1904) and he Labor Prime Minister during April this year (1904) and he has done so much already. He has created the “Maternity has done so much already. He has created the “Maternity Allowances Act” which gave every mother around $10 or Allowances Act” which gave every mother around $10 or

more than two weeks pay at a time on the birth of a child. more than two weeks pay at a time on the birth of a child. This reminded me of why there are smiles all round.This reminded me of why there are smiles all round.

Chapter 10 Chapter 10 –– Endless ThoughtsEndless Thoughts

As I approached the Boot Factory and prepared for work, my As I approached the Boot Factory and prepared for work, my mind began to ponder. I began to think about how hard mind began to ponder. I began to think about how hard my work really is and then started reminding myself of my work really is and then started reminding myself of how I’m far better off than those in other parts of the how I’m far better off than those in other parts of the how I’m far better off than those in other parts of the how I’m far better off than those in other parts of the

world. I, Jamal Buring have shorter working hours, the world. I, Jamal Buring have shorter working hours, the basic wage, increased leisure time, aged and invalid basic wage, increased leisure time, aged and invalid

pensions, basic workers compensation and maternity pensions, basic workers compensation and maternity allowances. This made me turn from frightened to a calm, allowances. This made me turn from frightened to a calm, peaceful and relaxed mood. Although I was relaxed, I still peaceful and relaxed mood. Although I was relaxed, I still felt sorry for those in harsher areas around the world and felt sorry for those in harsher areas around the world and

just as my mind was about to reach it’s daily thinking just as my mind was about to reach it’s daily thinking limits, I approached the main door to the factory. limits, I approached the main door to the factory.

Chapter 11 Chapter 11 –– Ready, Set, GO!!!Ready, Set, GO!!!

BOOM! CLANK! TWIST! THROTTLE! CLICK!BOOM! CLANK! TWIST! THROTTLE! CLICK!So much noise as I enter the factory for what felt So much noise as I enter the factory for what felt So much noise as I enter the factory for what felt So much noise as I enter the factory for what felt

like the millionth time. Although there has been like the millionth time. Although there has been much repetition nowadays, I’m actually feeling much repetition nowadays, I’m actually feeling

far better than ever before. I just feel fit for work far better than ever before. I just feel fit for work and ready to keep living life. Ever since the late and ready to keep living life. Ever since the late

1800’s, life has improved dramatically! Well, I’m 1800’s, life has improved dramatically! Well, I’m all set for work, so here we go…………all set for work, so here we go…………

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 –– Get the Job Done!Get the Job Done!

“Bob, I need you to cut leather! Gavin, I would like you to “Bob, I need you to cut leather! Gavin, I would like you to trace patterns today! Patrick, today you will heat and trace patterns today! Patrick, today you will heat and

brand irons! Jamal, I need you to melt glue to attach the brand irons! Jamal, I need you to melt glue to attach the soles today!” yelled my Boss.soles today!” yelled my Boss.soles today!” yelled my Boss.soles today!” yelled my Boss.

“Yes Boss,” we all replied proudly and prepared to work. “Yes Boss,” we all replied proudly and prepared to work. So, we all left the main area to go to our personalized So, we all left the main area to go to our personalized

positions. I went to melt glue to attach to the soles positions. I went to melt glue to attach to the soles which is the hardest and most dangerous job of them all which is the hardest and most dangerous job of them all in my opinion. As I continued to work, large blue flames in my opinion. As I continued to work, large blue flames

erupted from my work station, but it didn’t bother me erupted from my work station, but it didn’t bother me and so I continued to work. and so I continued to work.

Chapter 13 Chapter 13 -- RelaxationRelaxation

Work had finished and since today was Sunday, I collected my pay Work had finished and since today was Sunday, I collected my pay and signed off my name. I left the factory and began to wander and signed off my name. I left the factory and began to wander home to my most prized possession, Scar my dog. As the sun home to my most prized possession, Scar my dog. As the sun set I reached my porch and sat on the bench outside staring set I reached my porch and sat on the bench outside staring set I reached my porch and sat on the bench outside staring set I reached my porch and sat on the bench outside staring into the sky and wondering “What would have happened if I into the sky and wondering “What would have happened if I went on the camping trip with my family 9 years ago or if I went on the camping trip with my family 9 years ago or if I

actually committed suicide after my family had passed away. I actually committed suicide after my family had passed away. I wouldn’t be as proud of how far this world has developed since.” wouldn’t be as proud of how far this world has developed since.”

And so, I hopped off the bench, opened the front door, ran And so, I hopped off the bench, opened the front door, ran inside my bedroom and gave my pet, Scar the biggest hug ever! inside my bedroom and gave my pet, Scar the biggest hug ever!

All I could say was, All I could say was, “Thank You, for saving my life! You rescued me from Torture and “Thank You, for saving my life! You rescued me from Torture and

Beyond!”Beyond!”