OUT-OF-WORK V.C

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 192, 9 May 1919, Page 6

OUT-OF-WORK V.C

—*- HIS LAST CARD-A BARREL-ORGAN t "Corporal A. E Jarvis, V.C., of the Royal Engineers, who was awarded' the 'Victoria: Cross 1 : for great at Jamappes on August 23, 1914,- and who has been employed with ihe American Expeditionary i'orse as Assistant Chief Inspector of Engineers Transit Stores, is now out of employment, end has been so dnce November 20, 1918," stated the London. "Daily News" in ft recent issue.

"Ho- possesses testimonials from the American authorities and also holds a certificate from tho British authorities stating that he is. A.superior plumber and • gasfitter and is eober and trustworthy. Yet, in spite of his V.C. and his testimonials, he finds it impossible to get employment. He has written to the Ministry of Labour,' to the Ministry of Keconstruction, to the Directorate of Lands, and to tho Ministry of Munitions. All the 'answers say the same thing— that vacancies are rare, I hat no post is available, etc. etc."

" 'My plans are quite settled, , says Corporal Jarvis. .'lf the Government don't move I'm going to jet a barrelorgan and fasten all this correspondence on the front, wear my medals, and play patriotic tunes outside Buckingham Jfalace. I can get six moro V.C.'s to come with me, too. That ought to make them move!'"

Aβ tho result of the aTxno publicity given to hie case by the "Daily News, ,, Corporal Jarvis secured work. He wrote as follow; from Southampton:

I have during tho latter part of the week secured a Government pp-

' pointinent here. Simultaneously several other offers of employment for the Y.C. and others whom ho threatened to take with s\ barrel-organ to play outside Buckingham Palace reached the office of the paper. Said one:' "We have need of a good plumber and gastitter for Work- to last about a fortnight. Would you think it worth while to forward our offer to Corporal Jarvie, V.C, as he would be well paid for his work?"

Another wrote: "I am authorised by Mr. Gulliver, the managing director of tho London Theatre of Varieties, controlling, seventeen, places of amusement in London, to offer employment to Corporal ifarvis and to the other six V.C.'s whom ho mentioned in the interview which appeared in the 'Daily News." We will employ Corporal Jarvis, who i 3 described as a qualified plumber and gasfitter, at the existing union rate for that work plus a percentage above that rate. Wo will give each of the other V.C.'s such work as they may bo qualified to do at tho union rate for that class of work, with a percentage in addition. It may bo 20 to 25 per cent, above the union rate." A third wrote: "I should advise Corporal jarvis to apply to the Labour Exohnngo in Shepherd's Bush if ho is. really anxious to obtain employment. For tho last iivo weeks I have been applying for plumbers and gasu'tters, and up to the present timo 1 have not had a singlo reply."