A WARNING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5486, 11 February 1896, Page 2

A WARNING.

"An Ex-Dunedinite," writing to tho Otago Daily Times, sayß: — "As an idea prevails in New Zealand that West Australia is a desirable place for working men, I would crave space to place the truth before anyone who may be tempted to leave New Zealand for the 'Golden West in the fond hope of bettering their condition. There are droves of men walking about, in real want, unable to obtain employment of _ any kind. A friend of mine, a carpenter,., is working nine hours per day making stretchers for 25s per week, another as a kitchen man for £1. . The Railway Department required twenty-five menafew weeks ago, permanent, at 6s 6d per day, and 150 men went for the job. Carpenters' wages are 9s, plumbers* 9s", plasterers 9s, bricklayers' Is better? but there are far too many men for the Work. Living is 30 per cent dearer than. New Zealand, and is daily getting higher; rents are altogether prohibitive. There are hundreds stranded here — no chance of profitable employment — and would clear out immediately if they could raise the fare. At present the colony is a place of sharebroking and undeveloped mines. If the hitter turn out well the place will be good, but at present they are merely pofc holes, and no one knows what they may turn . out. My experience of Westralia is that it is the most uninviting, barren and inhospitable colony of the whole group, and people who think of coming here at present have no idea of the misery and disappointment that await them." /