JOBS FOR THE STATE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5114, 13 April 1927, Page 4

JOBS FOR THE STATE.

e NOT ALL FOIL LIFE: riilME MINISTER’S REMARKS. The theory that soihe jobs for the State are jobs for life was exploded ny the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hom J. G. Coates) at Wellington on Tuesday when replying to a deputation representing associated labour interests which had appi’oacned him regarding the proposed dismissal of a number of bush workers from Goveimment foiests in the, King Country. “It has always been the. case, when the Government undertakes an enterprise of this kind,” observed the Prime Minister, “that every man engaged seems to think that he has a job for life. I want to make it clear that this is not our policy as far as this class e.f work is concerned. In course of time forests must be worked out, and bush workers must realise tliat there, is no permanency in that work. It might be <lifferent in the case of forestry.” Mr Coates said that the Government had to be looked upon in the light of a private employer, and it must be realised that the, State could nr?.t carry everybody. He did not believe tliat everybody suggested that, but there were some who maintained, “You ought to give, us a job.” “That policy is not our policy,” added the Prime Minister. “We will do our best to meet special cases of hardship, but 1 tell you truly that we mus# S ct down our costs.”