Thrift of Employees

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12793, 11 June 1909, Page 7

Thrift of Employees

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — If there is one subject more <'»an another which should be thrust "right home" to every employee it is thriftiness. It must be universally acknowledged that the working classes of all grades in this colony are absolutely reckl°fs in this respect; they seem to ignore their homo responsibilities, for they live from hand to mouth and make no provision for a "rainy day"; consequently, in tim«^ of dcrrcFsion. if they are thrown out of employment, they are not only absolutely penniless, but. have run up accounts with their grocer, baker, butcher, etc., which they are' unable to pay. To my mind, a man who runs into debt whilst in constant employment is committing a wilful wrong to his creditors; but, apart from this view. every- man in employment should make some provision for non-employment, or sickness, however small, 2s 6ii or more per week, according to the family he has to support. Theorists will tell you it cannot be done, bnt by an economical home system it is the easiest thing in the world, but not by the continuance of extravagance and selfish indulgence, which pervades most of the homes in this colony. What would yon' think of thousands of homes in the East End of London earning as little as 5s per week, nnd paying three sellings rent, and supporting themselves on the remaining two shillitisrs ncr week. I do not suggest that you should exist like Uiat. "I merely draw the picture to show how little we can live on by systematic economy. New Zealanders have no conception of the meaning' of the word roverty as it exists in England. If they did, they would seriously consider the object of this letter ; but they will clearly see the bless•ncs they en jo-" in comparison to the destitution which exists in other countries; therefore it is the duty of every employee to resolve to pat by a portion of their earnings weekly. What if the farmers ne■rlected to grow enough wheat, etc., for the maintenance of the population? The result would be that thonsands would be brought to starvation ; but this is exactly what the maioritv of the labouring classes are doing. This is where I think Charitable .Aid Boards are a mistake, because tl-ose I refer to, if they leave their employment, immediately throw themselves upon these institutions for support. Why should improvident men become a burden to the Dominion? I pen three few lines for the benefit of the labouring classes and others in the hope that they will do tiieir dnf-v to fbeir families, and 'also adopt the rpsh system for all their requirements. If tii ere was no credit given, the employees of this colony would bt> happier and better men and women, and the storekecprs would be better able to surply their requirements at a cheaper rate. In anticipation. — I am, etc., COLONIST. Bath Gloves, 9d a pair; Lumbago Belts 3r 6d, 4<j 6d, 5s 6d, and 7s 6d, at Wilton'a Pharmacies. "COAGULINE," "KLINK," "TENASITINE," Cements for breakages, manufacturing purposes, etc