THE SINGLE MEN.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 June 1931, Page 15 (Supplement)

THE SINGLE MEN.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—In your issue of the 16th. inst. I have been reading a letter headed “The Unemployment Scheme” and signed “Farmer,” in which letter he remarks, “They (the Government) need have no pity on the single men; all they need

do is ehase them out of the pubsf and billiard rooms into the country and they will get all the work they want at a price, namely, their food.” Now, has “Farmer” forgotten the years 1914-1918, when a large number of these single men risked their lives that he and I might live, and cannot help being on this earth anymore than he or I, and, as for them frequenting pubs and billiard rooms as “Farmer” says, I would point out that it costs money to indulge in these pastimes, a thing that is impossible when you take into consideration that their average weekly wage works out at 13s 6d for four weeks, unless, of course, the proprietors have suddenly taken into their heads to turn their establishments into benevolent institutes. “Farmer” also howls about being unfairly penalised against the farmer who employed no labour during the season. The farmer who had not the money to pay for extra labour yet badly needed such help is the man that should be assisted under the 4A scheme, unless, of course, like some of the single Unemployed men he has been guilty of the crime of being up against it. “Farmer” also blames the bad produce prices as a reason for putting his two men off. Did the prices of the past few years force him to terminate his men’s engagements, or is it that he is one of those men who are ever ready to take au advantage of a man if he is up against it? I am of the opinion that if he were getting IDs per lb for butterfat he would still be wanting labour for which he would give in return “a good home, plenty of work, and plenty of good tobacco.” If I were in his shoes I would not be so rash in offering tobacco, as it is only a wasteful luxury. Quite recently concern was expressed when Russia started dumping her produce into the Old Country at prices which our farmers could not possibly compete against. Well, if the Government takes notice of “Farmer’s” opinions re tho single unemployed, they will have a golden opportunity of playing these dumpers of cheap produce at their own game, for we will also be able to brag about our sweated labour. In concluding, would “Farmer” please tell me if in the event of the single men being sent on farms to work without wages other than their keep and at the end of, say, six months their clothes were not fit for wear, would they be arrested if they reverted to the mode of dress as worn by our forefather Adam, not having the means to buy fresh clothes? —I am, etc., FAIR PLAY. New Plymouth, June IS, 1931.