WORK OR SUSTENANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 25, 31 January 1933, Page 6

WORK OR SUSTENANCE.

PRESENT SYSTEM A FAILURE.

(To the Editor.)

I suppose most of us are in complete aw ment with the oft-repeated statement tkl the bulk of the money collected in tie 'sla of unemployment tax is being wasted. AltW we all know there are many honest and scientious men working on unemployment jX it is common knowledge that the most of them is one of indifference, and tw loafing on the job is becoming the rule ran than the exception. The moral and econn!? effect of this indifference is such that its ™ tmuance is likely to result in the demoralise tion of a material proportion of our manW The wasters with their advice "to so on the job" are converting to their ram! many men who at one time would W scorned those who preached the gospel that the Government owed them a living tv moral effect on the community (as well as economic ruin which would result f rom general adoption of such a policy of individmj flabbiness) is evident to anyone who taU an interest in his country's welfare. I mi frankly admit that at one time I was imbued with the idea that any work was better the_ "dole," but, after the experience gained during the last few years I have reluctant!? come to the conclusion that we cannot a B l country afford to continue the present policy not only because it is likely to convert us into a race of leaners, but also because it would cost the country materially less to pay 6 u 5 . tenance only, and allow men to find jobs fa themselves. Unless lam much mistaken tk feelings I am expressing are held by many and others are daily being converted to them by features in our present system which no intelligent person can fail to deplore. . E. 1 ,!