SMALL DEBTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 3261, 19 October 1897, Page 3

SMALL DEBTS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —Those members who opposed the clause of Mr Fisher’s Bill in which he advocated the non-recovery of debts under .£lo] were not really the friends of the workers nor of the tradesmen either. If the passing of such a measure would result in tradesmen refusing credit, the hardship resulting therefrom would at the worst be but temporary, as the workers would be awakened from their present apathy and taught once more the necessity of combination, from which would follow an increased participation in the fruits of their labour. Can the Hon Mr Eollestbn be sincere when he' says that the clause depriving the workers from obtaining credit “ was doing them a great wrong?” For -I' presume the same gentleman would also maintain that credit is one of the most awful drags the workers have to contend against. It is not credit the workers need, but greater permanency of employment, which shall enable them to buy more goods at a cheaper rate. In answer to Mr Crowther, the object of such a clause is not to encourage people not to pay their debts, but to prevent them from incurring them, which is a very different matter. The system of credit, especially to small tradesmen and working people, is equally hateful, and any step towards abolishing' it should be welcomed by both alike.—-I am., &o. .Gebam) Tdkneb.