Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1890. Eight Hours' Play.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 13 December 1890, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1890. Eight Hours' Play.

Thk labourer has practically obtained all that he wants in the eight hours work, and any enactment will only niako the matter worse for him, which we will take another opportunity of pointing out. What we want to draw more partk-ular attention to, is the neglect shown by those who have secured the eight hours play, to making a proper use of what they have gained. After the days work, what is the object to which their attention is given ? Looking around the town, do the gardens of most, show much attention ? is the Library used '? does one notice many games of cricket going on '? or is there much visiting? We fear that after work is over very little advantage is taken of the spare time, for either improvement in head or body, but the time

is permitted to slip away in idle talk, or in utter abandonement to laziness. We avp iold that the power ha* defended ro the people, but whnt good will thai do to the country ai large, tt v.-c are to descend. "\Yhat levelling is to he done, is levelling up, noi down, and until the rulers the people, view 7 their position in the proper light, as having obtained power they have also increased responsibilities, and so exercise their influence to the advancement of all, the colony will retrograde in a very rapid manner. There is nothing more natural in man than the craving tor amusement and companionship, and it is necessary, to secure a general improvement, that such are found of a respectable and interesting character. The past election has shown us that there is a feeling on the part of a large number of residents in this electorate, that they want something, but what that something is. they find it hard to describe. \\V believe the want to be what we have stated, as it is useless to expect a (iovernment to do that for you, which is your own work. Governments make laws, but how little do they affect the well-being of the labourer '? The cry for a legal eight hours work a day is all " bunkum " tor that is attained, but the feeling of restlessness that is about arises from the desire for something, which something is only to he obtained by years of work. That something we hold to be a general improvement in the life led by the labourer, closer companionship with the actual settlers, and the formation of friendships that will lead to interchange of visits and views, and above all to '• abjure sa ck and live dea nly . ' ' These things are not obtainable from any Government, but if yon want it done, it must be done by and for yourselves.