Page:Notes on New Zealand (1892).pdf/231

Rh The two main ingredients in the composition of English society are lacking in New Zealand—rank and pauperism are conspicuous by their absence. Titles are bestowed, however, on certain individuals who are held to have earned them, namely, members of the Upper Legislative body, who become "Honourables" for life, and Premiers, who are generally knighted during or after office. There are no work-houses; for the aged and infirm poor there are almshouses. But when a man, strong, well, and able to work, is found loafing about or begging he is "run in," and gets seven days' hard labour for having no visible