Compulsory Work.
The Swiss government is the only one in civilisation that offers work and a living wage to any one who needs it. And it is not only offered, but it is made compulsory, the alternative being the workhouse and military discipline. Therefore, there is no excuse for begging or loafing, and both are prohibited by law. The nature of the work to be provided is determined by the local authorities, but it is usually of the nature of public improvement, and the pay is sufficient for necessities. The Swiss believe, and with good reason, that the unskilled labourer who is unemployed will soon become unemployable and that idleness is a danger to the State. Switzerland is, of course, a very small country, and it is possible to do things there that can not be done elsewhere. But the principle seems a good one.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZGRAP19120626.2.115
Bibliographic details
New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 26, 26 June 1912, Page 62
Word Count
145Compulsory Work. New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 26, 26 June 1912, Page 62
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