IMMIGRATION.

Evening Star, Issue 3865, 14 July 1875, Page 3

IMMIGRATION.

To the Editor.

Sib, —Your correspondents' letters signed i " A Working Man " and " Out of Work," in I stating their grievances, represent the present | position of a large number of workmen in Dunedin. I may state that my experience has been similar since I came here. I was unsuccessful in obtaining any steady or remunerative employment in Christchurch, and as I was often told that Duuodin was the| go ahead city of industries in the Britain of the South, and seeing numerous puffs in the papers about work going on there, I thought I might try it. I exhausted my means in coming here with my wife and family, only to find Dunedin crammed full of workmen, who, like myself, were experiencing the fruit-i of forced idleness and bitter disappointment. I applied io several workshops for employment, hut was always told te call back, only to hear the same dry statement of affairs. Then I applied to some men of influence, who told me they could do nothing at present, but with happy smiles said I would be all right when I came to be known. I hoped so, but I was afraid that, through my frequmt appearance about the streets, I might be taken for a loafer. As my character is yet unblemished, I do not want a job on Bell Hill through the Vagrant Act, for results such as that emanate from the present system of immigration. Immigrants are required for the public works in operation and constructing ; but how many, and of what is never mentioned. Tradesmen who have earned a j comfortable living at Home, on making inquiries as to the state of their trades in New Zealand, are informed that they need not bo afraid of their trade failing, as plenty of remunerative employment oan be easily obtaiv.ed, with the enjoyment of independence, peace, and plenty. This is a gross mis-representation in th'j present state of immigration. When redress i 3 sought through :uiy of the Government agents in the Colony they blame the agents at Home, and if the agents at Home make such blunders there in a stem necessity that t'ie Government shoul 1 at once investigate and remedy such a state of things.-—I am, <v:c, One who has suji\:rld.