THE UNEMPLOYED IN SYDNEY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7392, 23 March 1886, Page 5

THE UNEMPLOYED IN SYDNEY.

The question of the unemployed caused some excitement in Sydney recently, and the matter was considered by the Cabinet. A deputation of the unemployed, numbering between 700 and 1000 persons, waited upon Sir Alfred Stephen at his residence. Sir Alfred addressed the men from the balcony of his house, and promised to see the members of the Government who are at present in town. After the Cabinet meeting had been held, at which Mr. Dibb's promise was confirmed, Sir Alfred Stephen drove to the Macquarrie-street dapo, opposite which a crowd of the unemployed were congregated, A passage was made through the crowd for the Lieutenant-Governor, who walked up to the pedestal. Mr. O'Sullivan, M.L.A., then reported the steps which had been taken. He said that it had been determined to give employment to the men on piecework, by which those who were strong and able could earn more than 6s a day. This statement was confirmed by Sir Alfred Stephen, who explained that the arrangements to be carried out were of a nature to weed out those who were disposed to be idle and only made a pretence of desiring employment. At the meeting of the Cabinet it was decided to give free railway passes to those who wish to go up the country to look for work.