THE UNEMPLOYED.

Evening Star, Issue 4285, 20 November 1876, Page 2

THE UNEMPLOYED.

A deputation from the unemployed, consisting of Mr John M 'Laren and three others, waited on the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs this afternoon. The deputation was introduced byMr M'Laren, who stated that in- accordance with Mr M'Lean's promise he called a meeting of the unemployed and informed them that the Government would find work for them at 5s a day. There were fully 150 men outside anxious for work, and he had informed them that the General Government would do their best for them, and that they might expect different times to what they had under the Provincial Administration, when Mr Macandrew spoke of the unemployed as "loafers." Mr M'usan did not know that the General Government could be so liberal at times when they had no money. Of course, they were anxious to find employment for all who were willing to work. There was a railway contract at Waikouaiti, where a number of men were working on piece-work, and were apparently well satisfied. As many of the unemployed .as were willing to accept work on like terms might go there forthwith, if they handed in their names to Mr Blair.

The deputation pointed out that most of the men were not accustomed to pick and shovel work, and, while they would be willing to accept day-work, they would not be in a position to take piece-work. Mr Blair stated that a number of men unaccustomed to shovel work accepted piecework at Waikouaiti recently, tackled it, and were now making good wages. On the Waikouaiti section it was all plain-sailing, and the men were averaging 6s 6d per day. Tents and tools were provided by the Government.

The deputation pointed out that men with families could not leave their homes to work for such wages. Mr M'Lean said that if the single men handed in their nimes to the Public Works Office, Mr Blair would find work for them at Waikouaiti. He also promised to see what could be done nearer home for those with wives and families.