The Unemployed Picnic.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5801, 14 December 1886, Page 3

The Unemployed Picnic.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR.

Sin, — I do not know who are the prime movers in the so-called " Unemployed Picnic," and who have evidently pioved themselves so thoroughly our well-wishers as to contribute so handsomely towards its expense 5 but I feel sure they have done 60 without due information on the subject. At the present time we are engaged in a useful and satisfactory work, and we are glad of the employment pending the better times we are anxiou&ly looking forward to But there are several of us who cannot think of leaving off work for a day to go to the picnic, a3 it would mean the loss of our wages for that day, and nothing in return except, the so-called enjoyment at the picnic. Speaking for myself and some of my mates, I am grateful to the contributors, but cannot possibly accept their gratuity, as we donot care to be exposed to the public gaze or be looked upon as " the unemployed." We have done nothing we are ashamed of to be exposed to that gaze ; and, moreover, there are some of our number with whom we have no sympathy, and we do not care to be looked upon as belonging to the class of "lamppost orators" to which they undoubtedly belong, and if we are to be knocked off work that day, which we do not wish to be, shall prefer to stay at home. A present of clothing, boots, or something we could nmke use of, would have been far more acceptable to me than any such treat (?) as is proposed on Thursday, and I only hope I Bhall be permitted to put in the day at work, when my unfortunate position will not seem so hard to bear. — I am, &c.,

A BONA FIDE WORKER, The Sandhills, Dec. 13, 1583.