UNEMPLOYED SENTENCE.

Evening Star, Issue 21005, 20 January 1932, Page 6

UNEMPLOYED SENTENCE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The law has now been avenged by imposing a penalty of imprisonment upon those who rebelled against the law which allowed destitution and starvation to prevail in our midst. There may be many who would feel that the sentence is just. If such there be they should find consolation in the thought that the voice of the law has nobly done its duty. Still, there may be many in our midst who will recognise that these men tried to give expression to a disgraceful state of affairs that should not prevail amongst an intelligent and civilised community. To say the very least on behalf of the men who have received the sentence of the law, they are not criminals; they are working men deprived of the opportunity of earning a livelihood for their wives and families. Without belabouring the pros and cons of the present situation, it is now the duty of the community to see that the families of these men shall not be allowed to starve.

I am therefore making an appeal to those who may feel so inclined to contribute some financial assistance. Is it possible to raise £l4O from the people of Otago, to be distributed to these families at the rate of £5 per week? There is a reverend gentleman who has proved himself faithful to these men right through the campaign, who I feel sure would administer the fund. If any person or organisation should view this appeal in a sympathetic, manner please telephone 10-937, R. Harrison, Trades Hall, Dunedin. Remember, these men and their families are victims of a defect in our economic and

industrial-system, on which the brains of the world are being put to' the test to find a solution, so let prejudice and bias take its flight and rally towards an effort to assist those who are helpless in our midst.—l am, etc., R. Harrison. January 20.