THE UNEMPLOYED.

Marlborough Press, Volume XX, Issue 1195, 7 November 1879, Page 4

THE UNEMPLOYED.

f IJi| j. K 4 t/rm ;I 1 j | 1 -The : interview : between the Government" and a deputation from the uncmployed-of Wellington says the Post, was one, which [reflected oredit'on; l)oth sides. The deputation stated their hard case with the utmost fairness and moderation. They did n,ot exaggerate their difficulties or ask for any unreasonable concessions which Ministers,;-in-justice to tlie rest of the Colony, and having regard to the available funds, woulditave been compelled,to refuse. They also wisely abstained; as at their meeting of the previous night, from any introduction of political consideration or allusions. The quostion was strictly one of practical business, and so they very properly treated it. The more credit is due to them for this prudent and sensible re ticcnce, inasmuch as we sincerely believe that in any other New Zealand city just at the present juncture, it would have been almost impossible to prevent some excited politician taking: advantage of suoli-an opportunity to ventilate, his upright sentiinents on tin* political situation. Nothing of this kind has occurred in this case, and the fact is a very credi'able one, which we feel sure will be duly appreciated by Parliament. The deputation, as practical men, acting with a definite purpose, and aiming at n specific object, carefully eschewed all controversial matter, and directed their eff irrs to the: one point—Flow the present di-tress among the laboring classes could best bo alleviated in the present, and its recuirence prevented in the future by the permanent amelioration of their condition The Government, oa their part, received the deputation with all courtesy. Tho present Ministry’ mot the difficulties of the position in a thoroughly rational, practical, aud business-like manner. Tho Premier took a hopeful view as to an early improve l merit in affairs generally, but .he! gave an assurance, which cannot fail to have been a very welcome one, tliaf the Government had telegraphed to the Agent-General to stop free immigration for the present, and that the Government fully recognised their obligation to afford some assistmee in time of real distress such as <he pr».sctlt.i * The Minister for Public Works, too, made a very satisfactory statement that the Wellington and West Coast railway would he gone on with immediately, and pushed forward vigorously, while a special undcrstondiog would be made with the contractors to ensure the engagement of tho Wellington unemployed; also, that men should not bo dismissed because they happened not to be experienced at excavation work, and that arrangements were being made for the absorption of all the present surplus labor. 'J he Minister for Lands, his colleagues having dealt rather with the present difficulties, referred to the question . f improving tho future position of the laboring classes. lie pointed out to them that it would be idle to settle people on waste lands without making some provision for them, and this lie proposed to do by settling population along tho sides of the railway lines, and giving them facilities for employment, by facilitating the acquisi tion of land on deferred payment through an extension of the time for the payment, and by providing ft.r associations of men taking up blocks of land on similiar terms. The Government also promised to afford facilities for the transit of the unemployed to places where work might be found available. These proposals on the part of the Government must give unqualified satisfaction, as covering in reality the whole of the points which the working men of this C dony have so long desired and sought for in vain.