UNEMPLOYMENT AND ATMOSPHERE.

Evening Star, Issue 21080, 18 April 1932, Page 9

UNEMPLOYMENT AND ATMOSPHERE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —During the last fortnight we have made history of a that we cannot be proud. Whether it_ be said it is the result of a few extremists or otherwise, it must be admitted that it is not to our advantage that it should be allowed to develop. It is obvious to all who will give themselves time to think, that it could be prevented if only we would admit what we know to be true. There is no gainsaying the belief that there is no necessity for unemployment; that God never ordained that any section of the human family should be compelled to starve -when surrounded with means whereby they can satisfy their desires. You, sir, unfortunately, even at this juncture, use your columns to throw the responsibility on the shoulders of those who are on the lowest rung of the social ladder. In your leader on the above you write; “ The unemployed have had many troubles, but starvation, except as it has been courted by some of their leaders, has not Jiecn one of them.” Evidently you consider these unfortunate citizens have only one side to their nature; that if they are given food to satisfy* their hunger all will be well. Sir, allow me to inform you there is inherent in these people that spark of love and pity that abounds in the hearts of many of their more unfortunate brothers and sisters. To use your columns to blame any section at this juncture is not going to remedy the position one iota. What is required is that your columns bo used to create a public opinion along sound and proved economic lines. Let us all admit that we have erred and strayed from t the path of justice, one to the other. Having done so, we shall be able once again to find the path that leads on to progress. Let it be understood by every one of ns that to destroy only makes it more difficult, that progress can only be achieved by reason. The march of humanity has ever been forward, and must be so if we only have patience. Having written the above, which I believe most of your readers will admit is true, may I be permitted to make a few comments on the measures that should be adopted to prevent an extension of the disturbances locally? I would suggest that His Worship the Mayor should endeavour to see that the fullest advantage is taken of the No. 5 schemp. This scheme, if taken full advantage of, could be of very great benefit to our public bodies. In fact, the writer has no hesitation in recommending the Unemployed Workers’ Movement to get a copy of the sclveme, for they will find much to their benefit therein. (2) That the mayor make an endeavour to get the Charitable Aid Board to issue the chit during the stand down week in preference to supporting the relief depot. It is obvious that if this were done it would be more satisfactory to those who are receiving assistance, and would lessen the labour of those who are so willingly assisting in relief work. According to the figures on which relief is granted, it would not be any greater expense. It appears, therefore, that there should be little difficulty in His Worship getting this done. Whatever tends to bring an increase of contentment should bo a benefit to all. (3) I would suggest that His Worship consider the advisability of disbanding the Unemployment Committee, and calling a further meeting of the citizens with a view of getting a more representative body of opinion on the committee. If this were done I feel sure there would not be any further trouble in our city. As one who has taken more than the average amount of interest in social matters for many years and has had the benefit of mixing with all sections, I feel sure that most of our troubles are the outcome of misunderstanding, and can be remedied by adopting a little more tolerance towards each other. So far as the past is concerned let us learn our lesson and remember “ the moving finger, having writ, moves on.” I sincerely trust that His Worship will consider the above suggestions, and that you sir, will pass an opinion there on. Let us ever .remember that whore there is light there is life.—l am, etc., . C. M. Moss. April 18.

[Our correspondent misinterprets tho sentence he quotes from us.—Ed. E.S.]