CAMPS FOR SINGLE MEN.

Evening Star, Issue 21004, 19 January 1932, Page 9

CAMPS FOR SINGLE MEN.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In reply to “ Miriam,”- I am a single man and did not serve in the Great War, but I know a few soldiers who did. What have they got; since they came back? We have had quite a few at our door, trying to make a living taking round'different Household articles. Is that the way of showing our gratitude to them? ‘‘ Miriam ” says a single man is a shirker' if he won’t go to the relief camps, where the life should “ develop a strong physique and honest independence.”- Perhaps she is right, but are we a “ nation of navvies?”- I spent five’ years learning a trade and hoped to settle down when I came out of my time, like a good many other single men. Where are we to-day? Where shall we get our tradesmen from in the future if we are all going to chip grass, make roads, and work in camps? I have friends who have visited the camps, and I have a fair idea what they are like. It might pay “ Miriam ” to take a trip to Deep Stream or Lindis Pass and see for herself. As for self-sacrifice, I had a job just before Christmas which lasted four weeks. Of the wages I received I handed all of -them over (except 10s with which I paid my pound tax and small expenses) at home. Also, Miriam ”- quotes an extract from the Good Book. What about this unto others as you would have.them do unto you.”—l am, etc., Single Man.: January 19. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—” Miriam ” seems to know; something about the Bible. Without undue boasting, so do I. She say?: If any man will not work, neither shall he eat,” and I quite agree with her. But modern society addresses a largo part of the non-working ladies and gentlemen with Your Grace, Your Lordship,”; etc., and the other part as rogues and vagabonds, so it is hard to please everybody. The good ‘‘Miriam”- calls it, also says: .The labourer is worthy of his hire.’-’- I have yet to see where it says dig clay at 2id per yard. The good book also says: ” In the sweat of thy brow shalt thou oat bread.” It did not tell me to sweat and stay poor, and the hereditary aristocracy to idle and riot in luxury. Does not “ Miriam yet understand that by putting men out of work and a mysterious process,, of - belt-tightening is the only way of taking us out of the present debacle into the Utopia of plenty, and that consummation devoutly to be desired, a “ balanced Budget?”—l am,etc ” Popoffski. January 19.