A Chance for Relief Workers.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20362, 20 July 1934, Page 6

A Chance for Relief Workers.

Dear Sir, —I note with a tinge of real regret that the spider community of these islands has not, according to competent authorities, increased to any appreciable extent. It seems, therefore, questionable whether the ranks of the unemployed will be depleted in the rush for vacancies wljen science launches its next frontal attack in an endeavour to discover new and hitherto unknown species. There are. of course, many occupations in life, especially at the present time, much more to the advantage of the two-meal-a-day man than stalking spiders and putting them into their classified order. I know of one which it is hoped will turn out an incessant and endless pay to certain people and to others an equal disadvantage. I am referring to the guns which, through some one’s insight, are going to stand on guard in the vicinity’ of the lighthouse: and, according to reports, are not being placed in position simply' for ornamental purposes. Whether the fortification scheme is being commenced solely for ornament and with that end in view only'; or to our country’s interest against foreign expansion, is small concern of ours for tk e moment. What we respectfully wish to suggest is that this introduction of guns will reach from the Bluff to the North Cape, with all harbours (open to navigation) and inlets included. And now that money is getting cheap. »t may also be possible to recruit the nocessarv pun crews from the ranks of the pick-and-shovel battalions so much in evidence at the present time, and to pav them a wage that would help to redeem them out of the remorseless deoth into which the misguided principles of the “ top dog” have out them. This can easily be accomplished bv the stroke of the pen and a few well-directed words in the right cmart**-s.—- I am. etc., THOMAS LAWSON.