THE UNEMPLOYED.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1740, 17 September 1879, Page 2

THE UNEMPLOYED.

A mass meeting of unemployed was held this morning in front of the new Government Buildings, when there was a large attendance. After soma discussion, and several speeches, it was resolved to wait upon his Worship tho Mayor, and to request him to communicate with tho Government on the subject of providing work for those now out of employment. Those taking part in the meeting then waited upon his Worship and explained the matter to him. The Mayor said he should have much pleasure in doing what tho meeting desired, the more so as ho was convinced, from what actually came under his own notice, that a largo amount of distress unfortunately existed in Christchurch. The assemblage, having thanked his Worship for his courtesy and ready acquiescence to their wishes, then dispersed. The Mayor then sent the following telegram to the Premier : —“ Christchurch, Sept. 17th, 1879. Have had between six and seven hundred unemployed waiting upon me for employment. Hare seen city members, who concur in asking Government to take steps to provide employment. Men very orderly and. respectful in demeanor. Their wants are pressing.—O. T. Ick, Mayor.” At a later period, a mail going out to Wollington, the Mayor sent the following letter to the Premier:— Christchurch, Sept. 17. The Hon. the Premier. Sir, —I have the honor to bring under your notice, in continuation of telegrams sent this day, the urgent necessity that exists for prompt steps being taken by the Government to find employment for the large number of respectable artisans and laborers now out of work. I am informed that largo numbers of men have recently been discharged from the railway and other works, and the continued depression of trade will account for the large deputation who waited upon me this morning. The men, although showing a proper demeanour in placing their wants before me, yet expressed very strongly the desirableness of immediate steps being taken to stop male immigration. From all that I can see and hear, 1 believe that there are many cases requiring urgent relief, and I would respectfully urge upon tho Government the necessity for prompt action. I have the honor, Ac., C. T. Icx, Mayor. 1

SECOND EDITION