Oxford and Cust Observer. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. SATURDAY,June, 13, 1891.

Oxford Observer, Volume 81, Issue 81, 13 June 1891, Page 2

Oxford and Cust Observer. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. SATURDAY, June, 13, 1891.

The government of the day is unique m the annals of New Zealand. It is largely representative of the labor interest^ and that representation is composed of working men themselves. There can fee no question that a certain number of common-sense clear-headed workmen are a distinct gain to any Parliament. They should be able at least to/inform whatrever government may be iii power of the sentiments and ideas of their class On any question of the. day. We believe that the working clashes Were never more disposed to reasonably consider the econ- • omic and political topics that make for the public weal than , they are to day. It is clear-, that'the government cannot be • composed of the sons of toil simply because they have not had the trail) ing . and oppor- ' tunity necessary for the successful management of the gigantic business concern which a government really amount to. But there is no reason m the world why any workman who may be m Parliament should not m the process of time occupy the highest position. The field is open, there is room m the first rank, and only let him show he has ability for this positioned nothing will keep him from it. It is generally recognised that the socialistic talk of the election iR done with. The dreams of every man being able to live at the standard of about £300 a year as Bellamy paints it, if only socialism was adopted is now seen to be ridiculous and absurd. Were the im- ' mense wealth of great Britain divided equally among its inhabitants would only yield an income of about £10 a year for each person ; m all other countries much less. However, 1 the people now generally admit they must not be deluded by socialist dreams but set themselves to deal with stern facts of daily life. The government propose to deal with the most pressing question of irregularity of work — work of course meaning wages. The wearying and distressing condition of these colonies is the fitful demand for labor. We have pointed out that m several ways this prob-

lem will be gradually solved. Shortening hours probably is one of them. The government propose to establish a Labor Bureau by. which the best 'information will be obtainable where labor is m demand and facilities will be afforded for workmen getting to the inviting districts. • We take this as a most commendable step on the part of the government, and we hope their proposals will prove judicious and satisfactory. Let us hope that steps may also be taken to facilitate employers and Trades Unions working m harmony instead of antagonistically. No business m New Zealand, as a rule, is paying — or only- barely doing so. Workmen are needing employment iri manufactures. Eaw- materials . abound? m this Isle of th* Blest— materials of vast worth; Capital is lying idle. The only link that is required to set it r all going is a.. real honest understanding between men and masters. Legislation may assist and open the way : but only a reasonable and straightforward understanding in.therealms of capital and labor can do the real business. Employers cannot afford to give beyond a certain rate of wage — as they fcave the ' outside market controlling them— surely the wise way is to take what they can offer, it . better times come or profits increase, wages may 1 follow a, sliding scale upward.' We do not like- the idea of men travelling about from places to place, even at the invitation; of a Labor Minister; there ought to be no need of it. But at present it is a wise provision to make the best of circumstances, and all wise and good men will accept it, till something better can be devised. It seems strange to us why .-> something could not be done m this way m Oxford as for in-r stance m the establishment of a "Butter Factory." We fear want of unity has been the secret or failure here. Local Industries must be our cry: and m meantime we applaud all government and individuals who are trying judiciously to make the best of circumstances. , — i_ _—4