STARVATION ON THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 462, 10 June 1909, Page 2

STARVATION ON THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

Some; time ago we publish td a news item to the effect that a later had been read before the Timber Commission, received by Mr Jennings from a man and his wile, living along the Main Trunk line, who stated that they were on the verge of starvation and had a dying child. They were compelled to beg a bit of fat from a neighbour to make a lamp to struggle in the darkness “to get the child whatever we can catch for her.” The man was unable to get work, even though he offered to work for food only. Mr Jennings asked a witness before the Commission if these letters represented the actual state of affairs among the workers along the Main Trunk line. The reply was to the effect that the position set out was not overdrawn.—This statement was published throughout the Dominion, and created something in the nature of a mild sensation. As a result of enquiries, however, it has been ascertained that the woman and her child certainly had a hard time. The husband was not connected with the timber industryHe is a man who did not work when he had every chance. The family lived on the Ohura road, ten miles from Raetihi, where the husband was brought from another district, while in distressed circumstances. He has received money and help in other ways, but is an anti-worker. Strong resentment is felt in the Taihape district and at Raetihi, at the libel on the district and the sensational press headings. We hold that there is no need for any able-bodied man who is willing to work, to want in this country.