THE GOVERNMENT AND THE THAMES UNEMPLOYED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 4482, 25 March 1876, Page 2

THE GOVERNMENT AND THE THAMES UNEMPLOYED.

We have not done witli this awkward business yet, and it would appear that not only will Or. Pollen not provide the men with passages to Wellington as he promised, but that he is indiguant at the idea of being asked to bring them from the Thames to Auckland. On Mr. Howe's return to the Thames a few days ago, he was besieged by the men, who wanted to know what the Government intended to do in the dilemma in which they had placed them. Mr» Rowe could only promise to telegraph, and here was the answer he received:— " Rotorua, March 22, 1876. William Howe, Grahamstown, Thames, —Why should the Colonial Government pay the passage of men to Auckland? I informed the Mayor a week ago that fifty men could cet employment readily if they came to Auckland; that lodgiugs and rations should be found for them in the barracks, *and that they would be assisted in placing themselves. I wiil not be forced on . behalf of Government to do more. If the men who want work are so destitute as to be unable to pay their passage to Auckland, I will, a? a private individual, I join in a subscription for the purpose to the extent of £5. That is the way for the friends of the people to shew their zeal in the cause, not by calling on Government. —Daniel Pollkn*." Upon this, anyone would be entitled to ask : Why should- the Colonial Government pay the jjassage men Wellington, for beyond all doubt they proposed to do that. Surely it would be much fairer to the province, much better for the men, and much cheaper for the Government to convey them to Auckland. If Dr. Pollen is willing to take the men to Wellington, and will not hear of bringing them to Auckland, it is impossible to avoid the conclusion that he is more anxious to forward works- in Wellington than in Auckland. The Thames Star publishes two telegrams from Mr. Ellis, the Immigration Officer, which are worth printing Auckland, March 22, 1876; W. Rowe, Esq., M.H.R., Grahamstown. Rt Thames labourers.—Delay caused through waiting instructions. Will telegraph again early.—H. Ellis, Immigration Officer. 1 ' " Auckland, March 23, 1876.— W. Rowe, M.H.R., Grahamstown.—Gorernment will not pay passages, but work for 50 men is available at Waikato, pick-and-sliovel and bush work.—H. Ellis, Immigration Officer." All hope of being conveyed to Wellington is now at an end, and the iren, if they have suffered any damage, are left to their remedy against .Messrs. Oakes and McKirdy. Whether any men will go to the Waikato and trouble Dr. Pollen for his £5 remains to be