POVERTY IN CANADA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2411, 28 January 1909, Page 6

POVERTY IN CANADA.

REPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL DISTRiESS.

Aew Zealand is getting through its •V i year Tol '.v comfortably on the wb-de. and unprejudiced outsiders might very well toll us that it is bettor for the working man. to be- in New Zealand than to be in the Old Country just now. There j\s distress every where phut less in this dominion, d we may judge from the newspaper reports, than in. other countries. The I l ades and .Labor Congress of Canada lias lately issued a report that throws a good deal of light, on the industrial conditions ruling in the big sister dominion, land '{New Zealand workers "jilt 'MO doubt read it with interest. “Terrible- privations, destitution, and sufforiifg in the varous industrial centres,” it says, “were the direct result of. the flooding of the country by irresponsible British charitable societies, lying Boards of Trade, .and the over-mischievous Canadian .Manufacturers’ Association. It is from the workers tho demand must come that all. connection whatsoever must be abolished between tho various Governments of Canada and these emigration societies. (If we are to have .any system of immigration at all, then it must bo wholly controlled Dud directed by a Department of the Government which, can bo made responsible if or evory act in connection therewith. Irresponsible societies have already worked incalculable mischief, and nothing short o'f total suppression should he asked for. There never was a- time when so many mechanics wandered about out of employment. Casual labor has been a prevailing feature, and there ■ is grave fear that the experience gained by Canadian citizens in handling poverty land destitution last winter will he more than ever needed in the winter of 1908-9.” This warning to those about to emigrate may not be taken to heart in the Old Country. Some people seem to have the idea that the shiftless and inexpert have a bettor chance of picking up a living in the colonies than at Home. As u. matter of fact, our own experience shows that these classes are. at a- marked disadvantage in a country where general •utility is demanded of every worker. AVe need men who are fit to go on the land, und Canada needs men of that description also, and young men who have grit and a little capital, and Who are willing to serve a few years in a subordinate position in the country will always do well for themselves.