Job offer

Press, 5 October 1985, Page 18

Job offer

Sir, — I agree with Lindsay Smith’s statement (“The Press,” October 3) about “dole bludgers” and other unemployed persons not wanting to work while there are plenty of jobs in all professions available. Frequent publicised unemployment statistics are nothing but political propaganda. Millions unemployed in the United States? A figment of the imagination. Twelve million plus unemployed in the E.E.C. countries? Don’t you believe it; all communist propa-

ganda. New Zealand fanners going broke and walking off their land? Nonsense, political humbug; they are making more money than ever. A declining economy blamed for many small businesses going bust? Not true. Pure mismanagement on the part of the owners. The economy has never been better and is as healthy as in the 1880 s, the 1910 s or the 19305. Now I shall withdraw my tongue from my cheek and put my blinkers back on, and let us not hear any more about that “nonexistent” unemployment problem. — Yours, etc., J. P. STUART. October 4, 1985. Sir, — Lindsay Smith begs a reply. If we inquire of the so-called “dole bludgers” we will find that they too have many complaints. For example, after spending their time and money answering advertisements it is rare if they in return receive a reply. Should they obtain an interview, having arrived promptly, they often find the interviewer is out, delayed or substituted by someone who takes the barest of particulars, or interest. Is it any wonder then that the unemployed become disheartened and low in spirits? As for the school leavers, can we really condemn them? Have they had the chance of work, and that feeling of being part of society? We owe the young of today more than a weekly handout, we are obliged to pass on to them what we inherited: an opportunity to prove ourselves. When times are bad we can draw on our experience and find someone to blame. Where can the school leaver place the blame? — Yours, etc., PATRICK MARTIN O’BOYLE. October 2, 1985.