COUNCIL AND WAGE CUT.

Evening Star, Issue 21716, 10 May 1934, Page 12

COUNCIL AND WAGE CUT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —It is good to know that “ Ratepayer ” stands out distinct from the great multitude who give very little thought to the great problems of life, but are satisfied to eat, sleep, work, and be amused. He does attempt to make some contribution towards finding a solution for the great human tragedy of unemployment. He professes to be troubled about the plight of these industrial outcasts, the unwanted, the cloud that overshadows the sun of prosperity. It is rather unfortunate, though, that in wishing to improve the status of the unemployed his vision cannot get beyond_ that of council employees, who he believes are not entitled to any improvement in their conditions until those of the relief workers have been improved. The only logical conclusion to be arrived at is that the municipal employees are receiving more than they deserve. In my mind some doubt is created in regard to the genuineness of his sympathy for the relief worker. The tone of the correspondence seems to express a disposition of jealousy against the employees of the council rather than concern for the welfare of the relief workers. Municipal work is free from the cut-throat competition of private enterprise. and should express the will of an enlightened democracy in the most humane and efficient manner in every one of its undertakings. It should lead to avenues of advancement and progress. The greatest drawback to such a realisation is made by those ratepayers who have no vision or. ideal. There are very few people to-day who give any serious thought or consideration to the problems of life—who are not ashamed of every unemployment relief scheme. All relief schemes that compel strong physical men to be idle and deny them the right to earn sufficient to maintain a reasonable of living are a blight upon human civilisation. When “ Ratepayer ” makes a contribution in the interests of the relief worker to the same extent as the Labour councillor whom he attempts to vilify because he fights for the_ improveraent of conditions of municipal employees, then can it he truly said that his actions confirm what he would have, us believe to be his chief desire. Otherwise, like Sandy, I have my doubts. —I am, etc., R. Hasrisok. May 10