CONDITION OF LABOR.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2139, 15 March 1870, Page 2

CONDITION OF LABOR.

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sir —A few short weeks .ago a person could not peruse any newspaper published in the Province without seeing some paragraph relating to the scarcity of laboring men. high rate of wage’, and comments upon the necessity of increasing the population. This has for the season passed away, and there is something peculiarly interesting to notice ; at present nothing is said about the scarcity of employment, the numbers seeking work, and the true average rate of wages. The deputation that waited upon the Superintendent on Saturday “surprised his Honor.” He was not aware that there was any scarcity of employment, and no doubt the messenger employed in his Honor’s office was surprised also. They are always employed, and cannot imagine how anyone can be out of work. His Honor does’ not like looking disagreeable facts in the face, nor will he always call things by their right name. He prides himself on being a man of the people and of progress, and indulges in no end of boasting of the advancement we have made and are constantly making ; but he should also add—look at our Reformatory, full to overflowing; our well-fed, wellclothed prison gangs, parading through the streets, giving an assurance to the laborer, who may he unfortunate in procuring work, that he can be provided for in this modern Institution of progress. Work cheap, an 1 you will get more work, says his Honor; but he does not appear to have any idea or knowledge that such is a fact, nor perhaps cares but little. With him the condition of the masses is not the correct thing to inquire into, and thereby establish fame long after he has retired to liis cabbage garden. There is no denying the fact, things arc at a very low ebb amongst the laboring classes.

It is of no benefit to a man to know that wages are 10s a day, if he can get but one day iu the week employment; and it is unjust to those we would induce to come to this Province, if we impress them with the idea that that is the current rate of wages Considering how well the Evening Star is patronised by the working classes, I think you might, in justice to them, take some interest in their cause by contradicting misstatements, and detailing facts as to their general condition and prospects.—l remain, &c., Harpy. March 14, 1870.