UNEMPLOYMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 49, 28 February 1927, Page 6

UNEMPLOYMENT.

In my letter published on February 17, I asked Mr. Bassett three questions. He has replied to none. I sought information, and did not criticise either constructively or destructively, nor did I play to the gallery, as he suggests. But, in view of his remarkably kind offer, I will overlook this, and pray that my inability to fulfil the conditions he imposes will not defiect him from his high purpose, and so deprive some fellowunfortunate of the assistance offered. Tha fact is that I have been unemployed for longer than I care to think about. From this fact springs my knowledge of actual conditions, and in this respect I have the advantage of Mr. Bassett, but an advantage I would fain waive. The fault I indirectly found with tha Government was that they did nothing at all. The problem is perhaps too complex to ba entirely solved, but much can be done to alleviate distress. The first step should ba the suspending of immigration. This is being done, but two years too late. I hope Mr. Bassett will pardon me for offering him such a brief reply, and deal kindly with my suggestion that, as he '"saved and worked for' the money now available, on the safe security or land, at about tij per cent, in happier times, why not offer it at or 4 per cent, since it is only the State and the unemployed he desires to aid? At the rate of tH per cent a suspicion of self-interest misht arise* me present state of my purse will not allow' me to finance a cabbage patch. ANTI-HUMBUG.