Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1931, Page 4

Fnom time to time of late, our readers have been startled doubtless to tearh that men put off certain fallway works which the Government thought necessary for motives of ectm» oniy, to suspend, have been starving in some cases, and generally strangled in others. It seems rather remarkable that workmen who have been on a job for any length of time should be in that plight. It suggests that there is more thriftlessness abroad than there should he. Men occupied at work in the back country on fair wages for a period, should save money. They certainly can if they will, for there is less temptation in the way of alluring pleasures such as offer about cities or towns. It seems to be the rule with many of the class concerned, that as soon as the work ceases, their money is done. They have not been frugal, and they are certainly not saving. This class is one of the most helpless in regard to employment, and help to accentuate the general difficulties of the position. No doubt the men work hard enough and earn their pay, but apparently they give little thought of the morrow. It is a fact that even in the back country there are temptations for reckless spending. Payday on some works has been turned into a day of orgies. We have heard of cases where extra police had to be drafted into certain localities at times to maintain order on pay day. Whether this is a general condition we know not, but it has happened in some northern centres, and in localities where we read this week of “one thousand men being stranded.” It is quite wrong and unfair to blame the Government in silcli cases. The individuals who had the employment were reckless with their money when it was received. Hard as it was to earn, they find the spending easy, ana when the money has gone they have nothing to show for it. They are helpless, and some revised plan should be enforced, where a percentage of the earnings should be kept back and be made available when the job is through „,ul it is necessary to move on and look for work elsewhere. If the saline habit could be inculcated through such a nmans it would mean a great (l»nl to the community ns a whole. The people would be more contented ‘■'ud ii.prp would he less unoinploced. Those inclined to waste their substance as re-'dilv as so many do. might- be tempted to save and prepare for the inevitable rainv day. Tt. would be a o-nod move undoubtedly to try and improve the position of the class referred to. and anything which can be done to redeem tb" situation for tho c c referred to would be for the benefit of the State ns a whole.