THE CHRISTCHURCH UNEMPLOYED.

Otago Witness, Issue 2097, 3 May 1894, Page 20

THE CHRISTCHURCH UNEMPLOYED.

Christciiuhch, May 1. A public meeting to consider the unemployed question was held to-night. There was a good attendance, and the Mayor presided Messrs Russell and W. W. Tanner, M.H.R's.,' and the Bishop of Christchurch were present The Mayor read the letter received from the Premier in reply to his telegram, stating the action taken by the Government, and regretting the unreasonable demands made. Mr Tanner, M.H.R., who had been asked to move a resolution drafted by the committoo declined to so, but moved one drawn up by himself to the effect that the meeting earnestly requests the Government to extend at the earliest opportunity the village settlement system, with a view to relieve the overcrowded labour market in Canterbury, and, if necessary, to assist settlers with some small amount of pecuniary aid. He said he was sorry the meetings already held had not evoked more sympathy from the Government, though he admitted the position of the Government in the matter was a difficult one. Many impracticable schemes had been suggested, but the only way of settling the unemployed difficulty was by establishing the people on the land. The motion was carried.

Bishop Julias proposed the resolution which Mr Tanner declined, to move. The motion was to the effect that the urgent need at the present time arising from the failure of the harvest and other causes justified them in applying to the Government to make a special grant to local bodies to find special and immediate employment for the unemployed, and that the Government be requested to give a subsidy of pound for pound to local bodies willing to put relief works in hand. This motion was carried.

It was also resolved to urge the Government to bring the allotment system into operation in the vicinity of the principal towns ; that one or more State farms should be established in Canterbury ; to make an appeal to the public to raise funds to find work for the more aged of the unemployed in beautifying and improving the city and environs ; and to call upon the Government to introduce a Lands for Settlement Bill providing for compulsory repurchase at the earliest possible moment, and should the measure be rejected by the Upper House, the Government to take such steps as will ensure ib becoming law during the present year. Mr Collins, M.H.R., speaking to the motion re the allotment system, said ib was simply dangling impossibilities before the unemployed. It was impossible to get land anywhere near the Gity at prices which wculd allow of it being used by the unemployed.