LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 328, 15 October 1908, Page 8

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LOOKINC FOR WORK.—AN EMIGRANT'S EXPERIENCES. Sir, —Might I crave a corner iii your valuable journal to give tho experience of a "new chum" on an apparently fruitless quest for employment. I arrived here by the lonic, now just ovor a month ago, bringing a young wife with mo in tho fond hope and belief that in this glorious country (I say glorious from a climatic and health point of riew), I should havo 110 difficulty in earning a livelihood for us both. Previous to sailing I went and saw the late Government agent for Now Zealand, whose office is in the South British Insurance Chambers, St. George's Street, Capetown, and he told me the Dominion was only too glad to welcome immigrants and more especially those with colonial experience, of which I had ten years all over South Africa, both rural and urban. With such a glowing account from one I necessarily accepted as being a reliable man, I got my little all together and sailed. So much for misrepresentation.

On arriving here on September 8, after securing accommodation, I wont to the Government Labour Bureau, and had name and particulars taken by tho gentleman presiding there, who likewiso stated I would not have much trouble in finding employment (I am inclined to think that gentleman has kissed the Blarney Stone, Begorrahl). With that I started out looking for work of any kind, and in the course or my peregrinations visited tho Railway Department, various warehouses, stores, and the police, which latter I passed tho doctor for, but was rejected on account of not being tall enough by one inch. I've several times been (about four times a week) to tho Labour Bureau asking for anything he thought me capable of, and was told, "I've got tree-falling." "Nothing else?" say I. "Nothing, good morning, sir." In spite of an experience, like this, I noticed the Government Labour Bureau had got employment for most of the immigrants per lonic. I should like to go round and colloct fellow-passengers of mine now in Wellington who have never been ablo to get a job of any description, a number of whom have dipped into their small but precious hoard, and gone up country with the same intention,' but, alas, with the same heartbreaking results.

Finally, although I may bo dull-witted, I must confess I fail to see the policy of a Government that will deluge a promising country with immigrants, who, acting on information contained in Government literature and suppliod by a Government agent or official, which said information, on landing in tho country, is found to be both false and misleading. Apologising for intruding upon your valuable time, and trusting you will find space to print tho foregoing.—l am, etc., ■ OWEN FORREST. . October 13. "BEAUTIFUL NAPIER." ' Sir,—Summer is approaching, and as most peoplo plan, their holiday arrangements at this time of the year, I beg spaco to recommend, and further lay claim, Napier as the ideal holiday resort in New Zealand. I have often wondered why we in Wellington do not more fully appreciate (surely not the train fare, which is only 16s. Bd. return) having such a beauty spot and health resort lying, as it does, practically •at our very doors, and by advocating it more generally. After a twelve months' full pressure in Wellington, working at high tension I can imagine nothing more invigorating than a morning stretch along it's noted Parade or more restful to the mind than its beautiful Botanical Gardens. Any intending visitors I would recommend to interview the Mayor, Mr. J. Vigor Brown, who is a whole tourist bureau in himself, and who is always willing •and ready to direct tho stranger to properly appreciate Napier's beauty. I have often wished that our own guardians might take examplo from tho zeal and earnestness of Napier's Mayor. 1 trust that in future we in Wellington will be found more generally advocating Napier as a holiday resort.—l am, etc.j WELLINGTONIAN. October. 14. .... . ..