LABOR ON THE WATERFRONT.

Evening Star, Issue 18255, 20 April 1923, Page 3

LABOR ON THE WATERFRONT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —A letter under the above heading appeared in to-night’s ‘ Star,’ signed • Fore and Aft,” in which tho writer laments the intrusion of immigrants on the waterfront, and goes on to say that these men went to the country but afterwards sought work on the wharves. Small blame to them, when the hours are shorter and the pay much better than on the land. When I lie seafarers took a holiday, it was said that there were a number of farm workers on the vessels, who found the pay and conditions far superior to what prevailed on farms. “Fore and Aft” says he is not against immigration. Oh, fie! “Fore and Aft,” you did not squeal when these men sought work in the country, because they were not poaching on your preserves, but only when they wanted a share of your good things. Tho letter continues —“ These people make it harder for . watersiders to get a living,” and says it seems tho intention of the immigration policy to do this, and ho hopes he is in error in the inference. He is. The policy is humane and wise, and as New Zealand is still a part of the British Empire, people from tho Motherland have as much right here as we have. I am in a position to know that workers arc antagonistic to arrivals from Home, from personal interviews with them and members of the Labor Party. Let me infrnm these kind-hearted and hospitable folks that until the Labor Parly gets control of the country British citizens are coming hero withmß let or hindrance. — I am, etc., - Square Rigger. April 19. i>