The Representation of Labour.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5562, 9 March 1886, Page 4

The Representation of Labour.

» TO THB EDITOR OF THB STAB. Sib, — In these days of radical reform it ia interesting to read anything which leads to the way of a solution of the difficulty that exists between labour and capital, but when the public are asked to swallow such nonsensical rubbish as that contained in a letter signed " George Capper," in your issue of March 5 they will at once see the motive of tho writer. After stating that he is " rejoiced " to find that your journal iB such an able advocate of labour representation, he asserts that the New Zealand M.H.R.'s are foes to labour, and that the working man is to ' blame for this state of things. Now, sir, this is not the case, for I contend that there ia no more genuine advocate of the working man's interest in the direction of high wages than the Colonial Treasurer, and that he never has, either in public or private life, acted the foe to the labour cause; on the contrary, his actions Bhow that he deprecates the cry of retrenchment on salaries in the publio service ; and in private business, as proprietor of several newspapers in this Colony, many can now testify to his liberality in that direction. He is, and has always been, in favour of high wages. Many more genuine employers of labour are also in the House, and no more genuine friend to men of labour than Sir George Grey. I think such groundless assertions only tend to damage the cause. Would he like to become a labour representative in the next Parliament P There are many evils that require amendment in Christohurch at the hands of such labour enthusiasts, as, for instance, the boy labour question in some factories and printing offices, and I would earnestly advise " George Capper " to devote his attention to it. — I am, dec, JUSTICE TO ALL.