PLIGHT OF THE UNEMPLOYED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 10 April 1934, Page 7

PLIGHT OF THE UNEMPLOYED

(To the Editor) g; V) —It is with very much regret that I learn of, Mr Page’s resignation from the chairmanship of the Local Unemployment Committee, as no doubt lie lias been an untiring worker and has given much time and thought to the trials and tribulations of the unfortunate unemployed in this town and district.

But, as Mr Page says, in spite of their very best efforts, the- governing body does nothing to help them, but makes their work more difficult bv cutting down the allowances and demanding that such abominable conditions should be imposed such as asking men to leave their homes on the. eve of winter tor a less pitance than they have been accustomed to receive. Tt makes one wonder how deep in the mire, would our libertyloving authorities like to drag us. Being one of these unfortunate creatuies. | I can speak with a good deal of feeling ; and I say it is with a sigh of relief that I I can see there is vet a hope for us when . men like Mr Page consider it too degrading to try and force these condi- j tions on us. 'He being a man of busi- ] ness knows only too well, how little of I the necessaries of life we wage slaves | can obtain, not only in the line ot clothes, furniture, etc , but food that only keeps body and soul together. It is now time that something in the way of action should be shown the authorities to impress oil them, that wo need something more, than frozen mutton and cast off 'clothes. After two years of starvation and worry, we are expected to take another pill. Of course I know tliat these little troubles of ours do not concern a great number of people even in this little town, but when one sees his children—the pride of bis life, tin- greatest gift of a iifethne -being deprived of their birthright, good food and clothes, and their free education, it is more than time that we raised a voice and our manhood if we possess any. All praise is due to Mr Page for his outspoken words and action Well the authorities must know that deep in our hearts is the spirit of liberty and some day not very far off it will be expressed by our mighty weapon “The Pon.” Its all very well for people to sav some of us will not shift for ourselves. But I am only one of hundreds that have looked in vain for something better. And I dread to think what is in store for us this coming winter. The tradespeople of this town and district have done much for us in the past and cannot he expected to continue their help in these distressing times. Tbit there must come from ourselves a word of protest against the iron hand that is crushing out our life’s blond. 1 wish on behalf of my wife and liimilv to thank the various relief organisations for their many small and useful gifts during these hard times, and (hough it is very distressing to be in the unfortunate position of a relief worker, 1 think it is up to us to enter no uncertain protest against, this our latest hitter pill —I am. etc.. 1 BALLOT BOX. Nelson, 9th April.