THE PROPOSED LABOUR AGENCY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3492, 20 June 1879, Page 3

THE PROPOSED LABOUR AGENCY.

TO THE BDITOB OF THE STAB,

Bib, — Will you allow me through your columns to suggest to the Committee of the •unemployed one or two thing in connection with the proposed Labour Agency. I think, with many others, that such an establishment, if started on a solid foundation, would not only be a great benefit to working-men, but, if based on a principlo so as to embrace mutual confidence between all parties concerned, would also be a great boon to employers of labour. So, for the purpose of bringing the subject before the thinking portion of your readers, I would like to suggest the following : — That a selfsupporting Agency be established, and that its management be under the control of the members subscribing. That any employee paying 4s be counted a member, having free access to the office books, papers, &c, of the society for one year. That employers pay 7s 6d per year, and for this consideration they hare free access to the agency to enable them to obtain men or servants. Employers as non-members be charged Is 6d on being supplied with servants. Working-men — non-members — to be charged Is upon obtaining a situation or work, but not to be entitled to the benefits of the society whilst any of its members are out of work or ore on the books. With a properly chosen staff, under the immediate superintendence of a small Committee, who would have no interest but to try and make the undertaking a success, I think the Labour Agency, as above suggested, would work well and beneficially. The manager should have no direct interest in the affair beyond receiving his salary than to act just to all parties, and it would not be any part of his duty to Bend any applicant on a fool's errand, which is too often the cage at present at private Labour Agencies Hoping some one more up in figures than mjself would be kind enough to throw light on the subject. — I am, &c, A FRIEND TO PROGRESS.