The Unemployed.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 195, 19 March 1887, Page 4

The Unemployed.

At the Immigration Depot on Saturday the officials were kept busily occupied in dealing with applications for assistance, and it was not until well in the afternoon that the list of requisitionists had been disposed of. A recent edict by the Colonial Treasurer, to the effect that relief in the way of food, or of orders upon storekeepers, should be stopped, fell with extreme force upon many who had been evidently calculating upon a continued supply of victuals from day to day, and the ranks of those who are in searoh of work have evidently been a good deal serried as a consequence. Their former chief spokesman, M'Cormack, despite the reprimand which he received from head- quarters for inflammatory conduct and language, retains a tolerably large following, and on Saturday evening a preconcerted torchlight procession paraded tho main streets, soliciting cash or food contributions. About 500 persons aseembled at the Domain on Sunday afternoon at the "unemployed" centre, andtotheße the Chairman (M'Cormack) explained that daring the week they had done wall, "despite the efforts of the Premier and the Treasurer to the contrary." They had not accepted piecework, nor were they going to do so. Coutributions amounting to £22 had been received ; in addition to presents of meat, food, and clothing. The committee had aleo engaged ft large building in Woolloomooloo, at which about about 60 persons were hou3ed nightly, and in which some 300 men and women were victualled daily. It was decided to still further continue the agitatoo, as a resolution had been arrived at by many that on no account would they go to work at a lees wage than 6s. per diom. It is rumoured that the mandate of the Colonial Treasurer has had the effect of weeding out from the crowds a not inconeiderable number of professional " loafers," and of men from neighbouring colonies, who had been attracted to Sydney for the proepect of being able to obtain meals gratis daily.