The Unemployed Immigrants. (To the Editor of the Southern Cross.)

Daily Southern Cross, Volume I, Issue 34, 9 December 1843, Page 3

The Unemployed Immigrants. (To the Editor of the Southern Cross.)

Sir, — In your paper I observe you often j i spki a line in behalf of the unemployed operatives or immigrants, and it really is a shame that so many should be lounging about Auckland if they can get employment in the country. From my experience, however, it is time that something were done for them. — Could not our worthy Emigration Agent: open a Register Office, and take down the names and occupations of those who wa it employment, as well as a note if they h?,ve any character to produce from their last situation ? Those who want a supply of labour would then know where to apply, with some hope of not being deceived. While their names are on the register, they should receive some assistance from the G overnment in the shape of pay and labour, but as soon as any one refused an offer of employ at fair wages, his name sho.uld be struck off the list. — Thus there would be no cry of starvation, except such as sturdy beggars make who are too idle to work. — As to fair wages, why should not what arc considered good wages at home be considered so here ? though I am of opinion most settlers would be willing to give more. — Those operatives who have been here during the high prices go, must know that that is all smoke now. — There is no likelihood of high price in England or in any colony for some years to come. Pray, Sir, is there any law here for servants who run away in debt or refuse to work according to agreement, besides Avhat the Bench judiciously point out of bringing an action against them ? They have such law in England and the neighbouring colonies — and why not here ? It comes to my knowledge that some of the unemployed have only a fugitive inclination for work, passing from settler to settler, drawing , and getting into debt as much as they possibly can at every place they halt at, they have seldom a character with them, and don't want it. — If you can be the means of remedying this evil, you will benefit both the servant and the settler. I am, &c. A Settler. Epsom, Nov. 28, 1843.