DAY BY DAY.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15276, 28 June 1923, Page 4

DAY BY DAY.

The Minister of Labour (Hon. G.

Genteel Business and Manual Work.

J. Anderson), speaking in the House of Representatives, referred to the

paucity of apprentices for the manual trades, the youths showing a decided

preference for what the Minister termed "collar and cuffs" business. While it is a difficult matter to obtain learners for the artisan industries no such trouble exists when a youth is required for the class of industry wherein it is not necessary to take off the coat. The problem is not a new one; it has been referred to on many occasions, and in some quarters the prospects have been somewhat dolefully commented upon. No solution has been put forward, and we cannot supply one. The only thing we can suggest is the inculcation- in our young people of a due regard for the equal dignity of all labour. We pride ourselves upon our democratic spirit, but it is doubtful if we really are as democratic as we profess to be. It must be apparent to the careful observer that "snobbery" looms large in our social life; there is a decided dispositon for the man who goes to "business" to lightly regard his fellow who goes to "work," and, we are developing—if we have not already developed—a feeling of caste which is as unjustifiable as it is idiotic. Every man who gives of his strength, either of muscle or brain, to the community, is worthy of equal honour for his work's sake, and the whole community is his debtor. The only person whom society can afford to despise is he who prefers to stand idly by whilst others labour, and if we could exercise the evil spirit which makes invidious distinctions between "genteel business" and "manual labour" we would assuredly do much to solve a problem which is causing Cabinet Ministers and directors of industry considerable misgiving. We as a people require to recognise that we are all members of one body; each has his own duty to perform, and in the faithful performance of that 1 duty all are entitled to equal honour. If this were given due heed to we believe there would be no lack of workers for all branches'. of society's needs.