WORKMEN'S WAGES.

Evening Star, Issue 7332, 3 October 1887, Page 3

WORKMEN'S WAGES.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —It is quite refreshing to read tho views of such a far-sighted individual as he who, writing in your issue of Saturday last urder the head of "Protection," signs himself "Common Sense." He has hit the right nail on the head when he regrets the high rate of wages demanded by working men (when they can get it), as no doubt this is the sole cause of the terrible depression now existing in this Colony. Many of these workmen left the Old Country with an idea (truly a very wicked one) of bettering their social condition; also, it is true, that a majority of them only obtain three months' employment out of the twelve, but that is due, I believe, as "Common Sense" implies, because, with their usual impudence, they will not work for less than 4s 6d per day, although they havo usually wives and families depending on them. These dissatisfied persons should therefore be taught that it is their lot " to labor," and that so loag as "Common Senso" and his relations supply them with food they should be deeply thankful that matters are no worse, and religiously abstain from any attempt to better them. Some enthusiasts declare that the art of "good government" is the wish to give "the greatest possible amount of happiness to the greatest number "; but lam glad to see your correspondent is entirely opposed to any such chimerical ideas. Surely, sir, "Common Sense" has missed his vocation in not becoming an M.H.T5., ai in that position, with the assistance of a few other gentlemen of "that ilk," he could, by a few drastic and summary measures, have soon not only put tho working men and their friends under proper control, the meanwhile regulating their wages, but also elevated the "people of New Zealand"— i.e., himself and friends—to that proud position one so gifted should by right (?) occupy. In conclusion, I would recommend for your correspondent's future study the olt\ but grand maxim. "I>o unto others as ye would they should do unto you,—l am, etc., H. Warner. Dunedin, October 3.