LABOURISM AND LIBERALISM.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVIII, Issue 11333, 29 July 1897, Page 6

LABOURISM AND LIBERALISM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —It is a pity we have not here a few more men of the Ben Tiilett order. In his Dunedin speech is reported the following; —“ If they let go their Labourism for their Liberalism, they would lose both tho shadow and the 'substance.” This is a poor compliment to tho present Government, which professes to be the friend of labour, and is kept in office principally by the labour vote. If Mr Tiilett should be hero during the session of Parliament his faith in Liberal Governments might become somewhat less than at present. He would find that its principal object was to keep in power, as power means gain. You may object to this, but it is true nevertheless. If this Government were in earnest about the industrious classes, no,one among this handful of people would bo out of work. It is the duty of every Government to realise this fact—that men out of employ, without means, must be either beggars br stealers. It is charitable aid or prison, fibth being a tax on the community, from which the community receive little or no return. Relief works have been started at different times for tho purpose of catching votes or to , silence agitators; but something is wanted better than this, and if the people are alive to their own interests they will have it. Money has been borrowed to assist farmers and make railways, which in my opinion; need not have been to the extent it has, had a State Bank been established. Our money is mostly paper, with a promise to pay; that is, if the bank do not break. Wo might just as well have our own paper and trust each other. If means could bo found for these, surely it is necessary and would be profitable to provide for our surplus labour. State farms have been suggested, and I think them the best-remedy at present. But there must bo no highly paid, white-cuffed manager doing nothing - , and knowing as much. No ; a practical man, and one who is not afraid to lend, a hand and instruct, is the one tliat must bo placed in command. It might then bo made to pay, and if no direct profits were gained there would be profits the reduction of charitable aid, prosecution of prisoners and costs of prisons. Other industries would follow, or could lie made to. A good number of people would be better off and the community at large much happier in knowing they had donewhat was right.—l am, Ac., *GEO EARTY.