UNEMPLOYMENT EVIL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 21 June 1930, Page 5

UNEMPLOYMENT EVIL.

(To the Editor)

Sir, —Kindly allow mo space in your widely-read columns to state my views, as one of the fast-swelling ranks of the unemployed, regarding that evil which confronts the civilized world, retarding the world’s progress, increasing crime, shattering the hopes and ambitions of many thousands of workless who have long ago given up hope of securing permanent Work. As each week passes poor unfortunates go to swell the ranks of those who are east upon the world’s generosity. Hope, of ever being independent is but a fantastic dream of the past long since forgotten in their fruitless quest for work. Earnest efforts must be made to relieve the present deplorable conditions for they will assume far worse aspects before long, for unemployment re-acts and causes still further unemployment.

According to your recent figures there are well over fifty unemployed in this town. Assuming the average weekly earnings of each of these men to bo £4 out of which at least £3 would be spent on the necessities of life, thereby placing £l5O into circulation each week. Earning nothing many of these men can spend nothing, so it is evident that the district suffers this loss.

Much controversy has been raised regarding the suggestion of paying the “dole.” This scheme would, I suppose, suit a few, more especially that type of individual who, standing at street corners with hands sunk deep into his pockets, prays inwardly that work will never come his way. But then there are others, men made of stronger stuff, who want work, not charity! Mankind’s heritage handed down from ages past is his right to work and provide for his needs. As conditions are at present this is impossible, and the hardest and most heartbreaking “work” a man could do is a day’s earnest search for work. (If you discredit this, just try it, Mr Editor!) To a very large extent machinery can be blamed, for it has supplanted man in many cases both in brain and manual labour. Invited originally for the sole purpose of serving humanity, it has served its purpose over-well by usux-p----ing man from his ability to work and supply his needs. Well, Mr Editor, probably my letter is over-long for your columns; however, the theme itself is worthy of our deepest thought and consideration. — I am, etc., G.B. ‘THREE BIRDS WITH ONE STONE’ (To the Editor.) Sir, —A lot has been written the last few months about making a controlled water-way of the old Waipoua riverbed. According to press reports the Beautifying Society have earmarked £3OO to help with the scheme, and as> there seems to be a number of ablebodied men looking for work,- at present, could not the job be started now. I understand the Government is prepared to give a subsidy of £ for £ or is it two pounds for one? —so if our Borough Council gives £2OO, that/with the Government subsidy, would go a long way to help things along; besides it is a long, long time since Masterton has had anything from the Government. I have heard there is a sum of money in the Poppy funds, subscribed by the public for the purpose of paying wages to returned soldiers who want work. Could not some of that be utilised in the same direction, or are all the returned .soldiers fully employed? If the Waipoua scheme as mooted by the Beautifying Society is a practical one, and can be made a success, why tho delay? Why not at least make a start? It would bo turning an eyesore into an asset, providing work for some of the workless and getting a few iiundrcd pounds from the . Government. Surely a business proposition! —three birds with one stone.

Trusting some able pen, wielded by an influential hand, will take up this question, and thanking you for space. —I remain, etc.,

CITIZEN.