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Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2042, 20 November 1907, Page 2

[Correspondence on public matters is welcomed at all times, but it must bo distinctly understood that this journal is in no way associated with the opinions of its correspondents-J THE PROPOSED HARBOR. [To THU Editob.] gj r _I quite agree with you that it is time Gisborne residents were up and doing at this proposal to lot them in for heavy rates and taxes whicl are at present stiff enough in all conscience. “SVliat with the old rates, the new water rate, and tho new drainage rate which we may expect at any time, we shall bo the heaviest taxed place in tho Dominion. .Besides 1 should like to have some information as to why it is tho people in tho town are taxed a penny and those in tho country only a halfpenny. Is it because the sheep men are so well represented on the Harbor Board? So far as I can see, lor the sake of ia few men who want to get their mutton and wool sent to the other eiid of the world a little cheaper wo workers in tho town are expected to foot tho bill for a sum that is almost sure to exceed half a million before tho harbor is completed. I trust, sir, that some abler pen than mine will ta'ko this matter up and prevent so groat an injustice being done to us.—l am, etc., “CARPENTER.” Gisborne. November 19. THE CHINAMAN.

[To the Editob.]

Sir, —As no one seems to have a. good word to say for John Chinaman, 1 should like to relate my experience. I should say to commence with that 1 always believe in patronising our own people, but here in Gisborne it seems impossible to do so, that is, when Inlying vegetables When I first came to Gisborne I tried to get Europeans to call at my jflaco with vegetables, but. they objected because the roads wero muddy. “John” didn’t wait to be asked. He kept coming two or three times a week and so of course I bought from him. Later when the weather improved and tho roads too, tho Europeans condescended to call, so I started to deal off them, but really their prices were so exorbitant that I was forced to go back to “John.” I daresay you’ll call me unpatriotic, but I consider it my duty to my husbaiid, and family to make the most of his earnings. The other day I sent into town for a cauliflower, and was asked eighteenpenca for one big enough to serve for a meal for my family. X didn’t get it, but a few days after got one from the Chinaman just as good for sixpence It’s no good telling me that the Chinaman is undercutting; it is the European who is over-charging. A market gardener who cannot produce cauliflowers to sell profitably at sixpence each should try some other business. X wanted some rhubarb the other day and the European .asked 9d a bundle for no better than I got from “Jolm” for sixpence. It is the same all the way through. From the European I get independence and sometimes cheek and exorbitant prices; from the Chinaman civility and low prices.—l am, etc., “HOUSEWIFE.” Gisborne November 19.

AN APPEAL ON BEHALF OF SERVANTS.

[To the Editob.]

Sir, —After familiarity Has destroyed the .charm of novelty, and he has recovered somewhat from his enthusiastic admiration of our seenery, tlie stna*U'ge<r in New Zealanid will turn his attention to other things, among which the advantages of reasonable hours, holidays, remuaeration, etc., enjoyed by the tradesmen and artisians of this country, will mot fail to. impress him. And very naturally; for the condition of the workers of Australasia contrasts very favorably with _tbah-of-;the.workers of- other countries. But as time deepens bis penetration, .and he .goes deeper into the hidden- by-ways of our unmet social life, lie will come upon a class of people who have strangely been left'o-ut of the considerations of o.ur legislators; whom the wide wave of emancipation from the rigorous exactions of .trade bus passed untouched; whose desire to indulge in the pleasure of some favorite hobby or study finds -an insuperable harrier in the shape of -long hours. I refer to certain of -the employees of hotels .mnd large accommodation houses, a, conversation with whom will elicit some startling - information as to hours land labor. Does it not seean strange that their claims

ba.ve been overlooked by those 'ogiJators who have been, foremost in effecting tho general .amelioration of the workers Y God knows, and we all must know, that bent scrubbing over the" germ-breeding floor, or stooping for hours over the steaming dish tub, is work deteriorating enough in its effects on body .and mind 1 A person with whom I became .slightly acquainted, when he was only fourteen, years ci age, worked from 5.30 arm. till 7 and 9 p.m. every day respectively in the humid, stuffy atmosphere or a kitchen. Occasionally, when the

munificent sum of 5s per week did not mysteriously disappear in some other way, he hurried pale and macerated to . the theatre, where hid among the “gods,” as the patrons of the “gallery” are facetiously termed, he. forgot the depressing effect of .the day in the sensations caused by the music and (the play. I hope that yo-u will pardon me for this digression sir, since my only object, is to give ,a true instance of domestic conditions which in many places as truly exist to-day as tjiey did then.

The muttered, .and hulf-artioulat-ed complaints—this momentary .rising of the half-broken spirit of the. man:—which never .reach (the right person, and seldom pass beyond the precincts of tho house, would cease with the .granting by law of a weekly half-holiday, and the lessening of each day’s hours of work. I do not say that .any drastic measure is. necessary in the case of privatefamily domestics; I say this because I am allot acquainted .with all of till© conditions, and also out of a. desire not to unjustly offend those people whose servants have their regular half-hofiduys and a better time generally than .a great many; others. But Ido say that- drastic measures sure necessary in. many; cases, necessary for several reasons. A person needs time in which he or she may cast off the responsibility of duty and derive pleasure and benefit from exercise in the open air; secondly, time in which he or she, if inclined, may strive to eliminate, the effects of Hie disadvantages of early life (we were not all born with, title silver spoon); and lastly, the opportunity of remarking and reflecting upon, the Mir.ious events of .thisour twentieth century, and of taking some practical interest- in the politics .and the progress of our country. All this most of ibker workers have, and why 'have we not? Is'iit that he pleasure of the many depends upon the sacrifice of the miserable few? Is it that G-od designed certain, creatures merely for the purpose of catering to Hie' enjoyment of ofliers ? O.r is it that .those who perform .wlni.t is called tho socially degrading work, are merely animated pieces of machinery and, therefore, not worthy of consideration ?

It .is far from my desire to work up -the employee against the employer. I am no more deserving of the -accusation than I am worthy of being credited with so much ability. As u servant myself, I know and respect my employer, a kind gentleman, and an indulgent master; but tile necessity for shorter hours is so urgent .and keenly felt by all of u*s .that I must incur the opprobrium of ingrato rather than remain silent.

Th-a.t our claims havo not been recognised I atu of the opinion u, due

to our reticence, and not to the indifference of o.ur employers, who .interpret our silence as our satisfaction with existing conditions. O.ur aims, doubtless, would he ve.y materially assisted by tho organisation of .a union, but as this course saems Impoßsible, wo turn full of hope to that grand, powerful medium of redress —the “Press.” Ana it is with rtlio earnest hone that your renders will conceive an interest for our cause, an interest the increase to agitation of which would ensure for our claims the recognition o,f those mien who are powerful in. the land. It is with this hope, I repeat, that I- beg tlie privilege of having this appeal, if it ho worthy of being called such, published in tlie columns of your .valuable journal'.—l am, etc. t SERVANT. Gisborne, November 18.