GOVERNMENT METHODS: ARE THEY RIGHT?

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13637, 5 July 1906, Page 8

GOVERNMENT METHODS: ARE THEY RIGHT?

TO TIIE EDITOR. Sir.- I am a poor man, have been 35 years in the colony, and am thoroughly acquainted with that somewhat undesirable

si ale honest poverty. Natii'-ally. one of my class is not limited to one spot when ioukiiisr for work, but goes wherever there is a likelihood of petting it. Some time ago f was endeavouring to get work, and an officer of the department put me on to the co-operative works. This naturally was a Godsend. However, when 1 was just about to make a start another officer

-•lliorn nro plenty n[ these gentlemen-fold mo I eouldn't go on, simply because I was not mirried. What a lilow this was to me! I could not get work simply because I was not married! I tramped on to O.imaru. where the officer was putting on men, but I was refused—not married! .UatiPi-j at last became desperate, and as a last resource I had to appeal to tho Charitable Aid Board. I saw one of tho members, and in his treatment of mo he was indedd the Good Samaritan. Rut what a state of things in a democratic country, boasting plenty of money, that a man cannot get on to the co-operative works simply because be isn't married. Our boys went to South Africa, and were promised employment after their return. What did the Minister tell them when they sent a deputation to him to find employment? In language more plain than pleasant he lold them to put their swags on their backs and take the road for it. Nice consideration after men serving their King and country! The man who gave 'that answer has £1000 per annum and perquisites, but what about, poor beggars who have to suffer insults from mere pnnpets, called inspectors, who give us tiio cold cup of consolation and say "Wo can't put you on the works. You are not married?" Wc talk about voting money In Mrs Scddon, and mention the sum in thousands, but I really wonder if she wants it in the same proportion as many toilers in New Zealand who never have a chance, not because they are not willing, but because the system of employment is rotten to the core, and the only way to "push your barrow" is lo tell a lie, say yon arc' married, and pick up with some unfortunate to satisfv the department. By all means pay Mrs Seddon something, but let all things be equal. Let the Government be just before it is generous, and ttivo men of my class a chance. John Bums said that no man should have more than £500 per annum. Ab. if my crowd only had a fifth of it. paid regularly, we wouldn't grumble! People with their comforlable jobs and their salaries paid monthly have not much sympathy with the " toiler." but we play our part in building up the country, and the well-to-do ride in our railways, never thinking of the men who played the largest part in putting them there. We deserve fair treatment from the Government, and this preference io married men, which only encourages deceit, should bo thrown out altogether!— I am, etc., July 3.