THE UNEMPLOYED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6307, 3 August 1888, Page 3

THE UNEMPLOYED.

Government Waking Up. [FROM OTTB OWN CORRESPONDENT.! WELLINGTON, August 3. A short diacussion on the unemployed question -took' place "yesterday afternoon, with particular reference to the agricultural settlers in Canterbury, who are in a very depressed state. The Minister for Public Works explained the steps that are being taken in the direction of providing work, and the Minister for Lands stated that Government intended to offer land in Bmall areas on easy terms, which would, to a large extent, meet the wants of the unemployed. A meeting of members interested in the question of village settlement was held yesterday. About twelve members were present. Mr London, formerly M.H.8., was present on behalf of the meeting held in Auckland, a^twhich resolutions were passed urging Government |to placefa sum on the Estimates to extend the village settlement Bcheme. A petition signed by about 400 persons was also presented, and Sir G. Grey was asked to present it on behalf of the petitioners, and to move a resolution. As it was considered that this resolution would mean intercepting supply, Sir George refused to move his resolution, and after a discussion a deputation, comprising Messrs Praser, T. Thompson, and Moss, was appointed to wait on the Premier, and represent the wishes of the meeting. The deputation subsequently waited on the Premier, who said he could nob consent to any motion which would intercept supply, but he expressed a general sympathy with the-wiahes of the deputation, and promised to lay the matter before the Cabinet, and sea if a emu could be placed on the Supplementary Estimates for the purpose of extending the village settlement scheme.