MR GLADSTONE AND THE UNEMPLOYED.

Otago Witness, Issue 2085, 8 February 1894, Page 35

MR GLADSTONE AND THE UNEMPLOYED.

A deputation from the unemployed was introduced to Mr Gladstone on December 28, at bia official residence, by Professor James Stuart. The deputation urged that light railways, similaf to those in use and under course of construction in Ireland, be built by the Government, in order to give employment to many people now badly in need of work ; that vestries be furnished with sufficient financial assistance to enable them to deal with the unemployed people of the city. Mr Gladstone said he had the fullest sympathy for the unemployed. The distress caused by the want of work was not confined to London or Great Britain, but existed with greater intensity in other countries. The deputation appeared sacguine of the almost omnipotence of the Governmeut, but the latter could not go beyond certain limits. Mr Gladstone was in favour of the Government becoming proprietors of railways in order to control rates. Regarding the suggestion of finding work for tho unemployed, Mr Gladstone said the experiments already made in the direction had not proved a success, but the Government would further consider the question. The Government, however, could promise nothing beyond tho usual inquiry into all practical suggestions.