[PW] Meaning and origin of "to carry someone else's water"

[swguardian-stumpers at yahoo.com]

It is possible this may have had it's origins in North America during the 1890s when a Canadian newspaper was reporting on "Hotel Life in China." In particular this reference is to hotels that cater to officials and their retainers. 
   
  "Everybody drinks tea at all hours, so that one servant does nothing but carry water for tea." 
  -Manitoba Morning Free Press, Winnipeg, Manitoba, 30 June 1893

"Doty, Fadia" <fadia.doty at sjvls.org> wrote:
  Patron would like to know the meaning and origin of the following
expression:

"to carry someone else's water"

Fadia Doty,
Senior Library Asst.
San Joaquin Valley Information Service
sjvis at sjvls.org
(559) 488-3824
(559) 488-2965

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Sue Watkins