THE UNEMPLOYED AT SADDLE HILL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 848, 9 September 1864, Page 6

THE UNEMPLOYED AT SADDLE HILL.

[lo'the Editor of the Daily Times.) g IR __ It may sou d a little paradoxical— perhaps unpardouably inconsistent indeed to severe critics, to apply the term unemployed to those who are really moit laboriously engaged, but the antecedent circumstances have obtained a sufficient noto iety to justify the application .-t that term in the instance to which these remarks refer. Tardy as has been the action of the Government in providing employment for the most destitute of the population; it nevertheless is an agretable and redeeming circumstance to lie able once to speak in terms of commendation of the course pursued by an Otago Ixecutive in redressing a great public grievance, and it must be admitted that the admirable plan now beiug most vigorrusly prosecuted, in widening and otherwise improving the road at .Saddle Hill, is nighty creditable to all concerned. To'those whom business, or inclination for a country jaunt, may take in the direction indicated, it must be a far moje agreeable spectacle to witness the activity prevailing, and the quiet and orderly manner in which the work recently commenced by the Government isfproceeding, than to see every street comer in Dunedin thronged with involuntary idlers; and it reflects the highest credit upon Mr Hastings (who I understaud is intrusted with the management of the work, and who has long been known as one of the most experienced, practical and energetic officers in the Government service), to observe the efficiency and regularity by widen the whole affair is distinguished, the mode or letting the work to separate gangs of men is uc questionably the best system which has ever been adopted on the public works, and is most praiseworthy to whomsoever the idea originated with; and it must bs evident to any one practically acquainted with the business that the saving, as compared with the ordinary method of letting in one contract, must be something incredible. If, indeed, there be the slightest objection to the principle thus brought into operation, it is that a certain limio has been placed" to the prices (at least so I was informed, in answer to inquiries of the men) to be paid by Mr Hastings; for whilst a large proportion of <3ie work can an<i is being done at a very low figure (and yet affords wages which appear to satisfy the men), it must be obvious at a glance that there are other portions which can scarcely yield fairly remunerative returns at the maximum prices now given, and with the well known qualifications of the gentleman in charge, surely it would be prudent to invest him with a discretionary power in this particular. Happening to be at Hooper's Sunnyside Hotel just as the payment of the men was going on. and having had some experience in these matters, it was ieally interesting to see the qniet and satisfactory manner in which the entire business apparently proceeded ; in short it may be sfid-that-tlie Government have hit upon a capital expedient for giving employment, and if only left to work out the details in a perfectly unfettered way, I doubt not that Messrs Pattison, Oliver, and Hastings will effect the most advantageous results for thf: Province geuerally. Business will probabiy lead me in the direction of Waikouaiti in a few days, and I hope to see the successful working of the same principle on that line of road.—l am, &c, . Traveller.