THE UNEMPLOYED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 253, 22 September 1933, Page 6

THE UNEMPLOYED.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —I have been quite an interested reader of the correspondence appearing in the “Standard” on the unemployment and relief controversy. I have always felt that the unemployed were deserving of more than they were getting, whether by way of gifts or otherwise. A letter signed by. the Publicity I Committee of the Unemployed Workers’ Movement in this evening’s “Standard” has somehow altered my outlook on the matter. I have always read into the correspondence as applying to the average relief worker and not to the drones found in any walk of life, whether unemployed or not. I have been fortunate enough to be able to continue in employment all through these distressing times, and recognising that in most cases of those on the unemployed list it was through no fault of their'own, and also recognising my good luck in being in constant employment, I have endeavoured to assist the. unemployed either by contributions in cash or clothing, thinking such assistance would be appreciated by those who were in more unfortunate circumstances. The letter appearing in this evening’s “Standard” has made me think otherwise when the Publicity Committee, who would be speaking for the average class of unemployed and not for the drones, state that they object to working as “slaves for the discards of their lord and masters.” I can quite honestly, say that in giving to the relief of the unemployed it never once crossed my mind that I was doing so to make myself lord aud master to anyone, and as for the “discards” I can again honestly say that I could have quite well done with them myself for quite a while longer. I happen to be a colonial to whom the term lord and master is almost unknown, having' been brought up to the idea that “Jack is as good as his master,” and now after two years of giving all the assistance I could afford to give to be told that it was only “discards” from lord and master sinks well under the skin. I can only say that now the Publicity Committee lias definitely stated what the average unemployed consider such assistance, I will give a short shift to the next appeal made.— I am, etc., THANKFUL. 21/9/33.