THE HUMILIATION OF THE POOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13278, 10 September 1906, Page 7

THE HUMILIATION OF THE POOR.

Sir, —It was to mo wry painful to read the letter of " One of the Workers"' in this day's Herald, as it caused me to "think" of the unfair conditions of existence to which, by our ignorant selfishness, we are all subjected. Personally I have always had enough, and have always paid my way. I sure? with the Loudon unemployed—"D— m charity give us work," and 1 contend that, it is impossible to give everybody work at a remuneration that will allow, them to "fairly and squarely pay professional brethren their dues." There must come a time, when the services of a large number c! workers are not required, and as " One of the Workers" puts it "to have to go to an inquisition and prostitute our manhood" is to my mind encouraging the development or evolution of. a race of men having 110 manhood to pros'•• lute. Your correspondent, thinking his way. out of this "darkest industrialism," believe* 'that "socialising of industries ami the professions is the only method by which men can honestly live and maintain their independence." It seems t» me that while "ignorant selfishness" is the chief factor in directing human affairs the poor are more likely to lose their independence with industries socialised than they are under individualism. The "industrial army of work•Pi's ' would have to be kept under strict discipline and the same struggle for the front seats and -best joints of meat and th« fattest, billets would , still go on. I don't say that a time will not come when th« highest positions will be won by "merit," but that lime is not rot. There will tonus a time when a man will blush and feel that he is a criminal if he takes that which lie has not. honestly rendered services for. The time will .come when each will try to take the back seat, and men will struggle to do the meanest work, and think it a noble action to do so, but that time is not vet. In the meantime I think " all the workers" have a right to demand that they shall have a hospital and maternity home run in the interests of all. and the charges made Ito barely cover expenses—and no more. The unemployed have also the right to demand access to " free" land, where by rendering services they can tide over the unemployed period and maintain their independence of character. That cursed word "charity" is a relic of the dark ngtjs, and .I join the unemployed in saving —11 chaHty, give them work. I would also say, that this is the true solution of the difficulty, and the scfoner wo adopt it the better, if we would saw our present- social system and civilisation from being "blotted out." To find work for the unemployed will not injure any private interests. but will rather tend to increase tli« general prosperity. This old social system that has lifted mankind from barbarism tc civilisation is not yet worn out, but sadl* needs reform. A. Sanfobd. •September 5, 1906.