THE LABOR QUESTION.

Evening Star, Issue 2844, 1 April 1872, Page 2

THE LABOR QUESTION.

To the Editor. Si a,—Permit me to ask those in power through your columns why so many of my fellow workmen are idle in this city. Very likely the answer given may be, if any, the want of public works. Then why have peropatetic agents been sent to swell the nember of “street idlers.” Perhaps the famed Clutha Railway contract will attract a few away from our streets, but it seems to me that our railways are not to employ many in their construction. Now, [it is upwards of fourteen months since the first section of the Clutha Railway commenced, known as the Cavcrsham section, and which was to be finished with somewhat of railway speed, t. c. within four mouths of the date of acceptance. Sir, I ask, what is the cause of this, surely it is not for the waut of labor. I believe the main reason is the waut of skill, and which is far worse than the want of capital in carrying on public works of such magnitude. It seems to me that creatures are pleased in styling themselves contractors in those parts who are not worthy of the name, and take works at starving prices, in order to starve poor men as well as themselves. Hence, our railways will be a curse instead of a blessing to many storekeepers and tradesmen, who will have to suffer by 'their mistakes and ignorance ; that instead, of leaving a little capital in our midst, it has a tendency of robbing us of all past toil and labour. Workmen must have food and clothing and other necessaries of life. Hence the result will be after they get a few pounds as part payment, with the promise of getting it all at the next pay. Then comes the next pay day with the same plausible old story, stop till next pay. He does stop, and may be he gets on better tl an on former ocasions, and probably the resi.l will be that some of them will take “ French leave ’ and leave their cred tors behind. Well, if the Government would adhere to their specifications, no doubt but they would get legitimate contractors as well as legiti-

mate prices, which would be a benefit to all classes.’—l am, sir, &c,, A Workman. March 30th, 1872.