"THE IDLE POOR”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19785, 8 March 1927, Page 7

"THE IDLE POOR”

EFFECT OF THE DOLE CONDITIONS IN THE HOMELAND. TRADE COMPETITION. (Special to 1 'Chronicle.”) AUCKLAND, March 7. Impressions of Britain gathered during a visit of 15 months were given by Sir Thomas Mackenzie on his return to Auckland by the liner Tamaroa to-day. "I am very anxious about the Old Country just now,” said Sir Thomas. "She has a heavy debt burden and faces strong competition from Germany. That country is in a much better position than Britain, c-wing to the exploitation of the mark, which has enabled many debts and mortgages to be paid off.” Another factor in Germany’s progress was that the German workman worked long hours for less pay. ‘ l l am not saying this is a good thing, ” added Sir Thomas. ‘‘lt is quite true that in the United States tho highest wages are paid and the best results are secured.” While tho matters he had mentioned gave cause for anxiety, Sir Thomas said there was the bright side to the picture in the industrial revival that was proceeding throughout Britain. The work of the various committees and commissions was of the greatest value. A very important influence in the encouragement of industry had been exercised by His Majesty the King, and another instance of the personal factor was provided by Mr L. S. Amery, Secretary of State for the Dominions, of whose administrative ability there could be no question. wy>ilo nil the best brains and influences were being brought to bear, there was still much to be done. The existence of competition from Germany, of which tho most difficult feature was that all prejudices had disappeared, was not only felt in industrial progress. A good deal of exploitation was going on, and it was having the effect of increasing the cost of living. The dole system was also having a pernicious influence. "I was struck with the statement made by the Rovan Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Bourne,” added Sir Thomas. ”Speaking of tho dole question, the Cardinal remarked that a good deal was once said concerning the ‘idle rich,’ but the phrase had now changed to the ‘idle poor.’ The strange part is that the men aro receiving and can receive it, only so long as tncy do nothing. Thus wo have an anomaly that while farmers are unable to pay for labour to clear their land of weeds, and while the building and maintenance of roads has to go on, men are receiving the dole and are forced to remain idle.”