WORKLESS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 517, 26 May 1909, Page 6

WORKLESS.

LXst weak we published a number if opinions of persons' who', should know something of tbo matter'as to the number of in and also as to. the distress prevalent through the scarcity .'of.-employment;',':' This/morning we supplement tho information then supplied, and we think the statements published will carry conviction to all who hold unbiased views on tho subject. It is a matter for rogret that the Minister for l Labour should, in 'face of,'the facts, attempt to ignore tho. seriousness of tho .position and to make pretence: that thoquestion of relief works-is quite, out of the question.; .Mr.' Hbaa, wo fcaV, will not bo able to hold his presont views very long.v. His admission that, the Government has not even considered the question of relief works to assist the large numbor of Unfortunate Imeri who cannot find employment in ! the ordinary avenues of labour is only another evidence of the inability .of to look, ahead .and prepare for seriouß emergencies in a systematic and businesslike way. Nothing can be-gained, by shirking what all must recognise as a . most,' disquieting condition 'of things. But.there is a good deal to bo gained \by facing an unpleasant position and thinking out carefully tho best means of minimising tho.trouble A gratifying feature in,a Bombro situation has been the ready response by pifivato" citizens; to tho call for assistance for families in need. We'have already received' a number of offers of assistance in the way of clothing for families requiring it, and in view pf the urgon't need of many cases which have come under our notice wchaVo decided ,to undort'ako to pass on to: deserving families anyVi parcels of clothing sent to this/office. But the Government must face the larger .question, The Minister for Labour may not like relief works, but work of somc\ kind must be found. We shall not quarrej with him as to the name he applies to it, '-■ ■ " ' '■■.- ''' ' '. ' \ '■ '■'■'.-.