THE UNEMPLOYED IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1065, 18 September 1879, Page 2

THE UNEMPLOYED IN CHRISTCHURCH.

CtruisTCHUscJt, September 17. A meeting of the unemployed was held to-day in Cathedral-square, about 400 or 500 being present. They were very orderly. A deputation was appointed to wait on the Mayor, who after hearing what they had to say promised to interview Messrs. Stevens and Andrews, and also to communicate with the Government without delay. The deputation was accompanied by a large crowd, who returned with them to the square, and after announcing the result of their representations invited those present to assemble again, when an answer had been received from Wellington, of which due notice would bo given. His "Worship lost no time in fulfilling his promises, and after seeing Messrs. Stevens and Andrews, forwarded the following telegram to Sir George Grey:—''The Premier, Wellington—Between GOO and 700 unemployed waited upon me this morning, asking for employment. Have seen city members, who concur in asking the Government to take immediate steps to provide employment. The men are very orderly and respectful in demeanor. Their wants are pressing.—C. T. Ice, Mayor." "The Hon. the Premier—l have the honor' to bring under your notice, in continuation of telegram sent this morning, the urgent necessity that exists for prompt steps being taken by the Government to find employment for uhe large number of respectable artizans and laborers now out of work. lam informed that large numbers of men have recently been discharged from the railway and other works, and the continued depression of trade will account for the large deputation who waited upon me this morning. The men, although showing a proper demeanor in placing their wants before me, yet expressed very strongly the desirableness of immediate steps being taken to stop male immigration. From all that I can see and hear, I believe there are many cases requiring urgent relief, and 1 would respectfully urge upon the Government the necessity for prompt action.—C. T. lok, Mayor. Christchurcli, September 17-"