WELLINGTON UNEMPLOYED ON THE WAIM ATE PLAINS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1885, 9 March 1880, Page 3

WELLINGTON UNEMPLOYED ON THE WAIM ATE PLAINS.

[By Telegraph.] WELLINGTON, March 8. In reply to special inquiries made on account of statements by the "Lyttelton Times,” and New Zealand “Herald’s” correspondent, the Government has received today a report from the officer in command, as to the character and disposition of the Wellington unemployed who were sent to the Waimate Plains. Major Qoring's report is highly favorable indeed. Ho speaks of the men in terms of unqualified praise, stating that they have have not given the slightest ground for complaint, and that in fact none has been made, and that their conduct has been excellent; that they have shown themselves thoroughly amenable to discipline, willing, and even eager to work, and, in short, their behaviour has been good in all respects. A correspondent of the “ Post ” visited the camp at Otakea yesterday, and interviewed a great many of the Wellington unemployed. They spoke bitterly of the attack made upon them by the “ Lyttelton Times ” correspondent. Some had only been a few weeks in the colony, and complained of being branded upon arrival as sweepings of gaols. They all assured me that it was only dire necessity that compelled them to take the small wages offered. Many are mechanics, but could not obtain work in or about Wellington. The men seem to be a steady and industrious lot, ready and willing to work, and they state that they came in the hope that hereafter, when the land is settled upon, they may obtain permanent employment and increased wages.