APPEAL FOR PRISONERS' FAMILIES.

Evening Star, Issue 21007, 22 January 1932, Page 9

APPEAL FOR PRISONERS' FAMILIES.

TO TUB EDITOR. Sir,—There are just a few words I wish to say in reply to Mr 1 Harrison* In perusing the history of each prisoner before sentence 1 noticed that in almost every instance these soap-bos orators are outsiders, and mostly show only a five years’ residence in this country. Without wishing to cast any aspersion on any other immigrant. 1 seriously suggest that, as they appear not to Ilk® the conditions in this country, as soon as their sentence is finished, an appeal should be launched for funds to pay the fares of these men and their wive» and families to some other countrysay Russia. A week ago I was passing the Queen’s Gardens, and, noticing a crowd, went across. Here I found th® same thing, a man on the box haranguing the crowd; and by; the sound of his brogue h® was the usual “ imported.” Therefore, I say, though the times are hard, if recent comers of this kind wish to create disturbances, let all true-born New Zealanders prove their heritage and turn aside. Better times are coming; cheerio! —I am, etc., , , ConoNlAC. January 22. TO TUB EDITOR. Sir, —I would point out to “Group No. 106 ” that it is mainly through the efforts of trade union secretaries that the majority of us workers enjoy decent conditions. Furthermore, the money we pay into our respective'unions does not go into the pockets of secretaries as he infers, as they receive a weekly wage considered by a majority of th® members to be a decent living one. If,; of course, the members consider that their officials are not conscientious, or lack the necessary ability, they are very speedily removed, and I have not, known any who have been allowed to “ live on "'the workers,” as “ Group 106 ” says has been the case. Furthermore, I nave been a member of one ot tbe largest trade unions in Australia and New Zealand ever since I was sixteen years of age, and L have never yqt heard of a secretary being ■ given presents. The fact that people are starving in New Zealand is no fault of union secretaries, but the fault of in® political misfits with which this fair country is blessed, so I would suggest that “ Group 106 ” (if he is a worker), should use his acute brain in an effort to relieve these very much over-paid politicians of a month’s salary to help the ones loft at home by those who had to make the sacrifice. Doubtless every union secretary in New Zealand has given liberally to assist those ’in d.re need through unemployment, and 1 airt sure there are wage-earners in many lines from whom the unemployed could seek assistance without picking out those who work eight hours a day in the interest of the workers generally. It is .most strange that people such as “ r'' 106” will seldom recognise ft un. union official until they require assistance.—l am, etc.,

January 22,

Union Man.