The Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) The Oldest Daily Newspaper on the West Coast. MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1885. JUDICIOUS CHARITABLE AID.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 3, 1 June 1885, Page 2

Manawatu Standard (PUBLISH ED DAILY.) The Oldest Daily Newspaper on the West Coast. MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1885. J U DICIOUS CHARITABLE AID.

We recently referred to a proposal which has been inaugurated m Oamam, promoted by Archdeacon Coi.kman, to introduce a new form — at least, so far as this colony is concerned — of giving benevolent aid. The idea is to obtain work for the unfovtnnates willing, but unable to secure it, at some employment which they could manage, and which would result m the production of some marketable commodity. This plan, it is believed, would be gladly availed of m numerous instances, and while it would assist those willing to work m maintaining their selfrespect, it would leave all the more means available to deal with the sick and physically feeeble. The idea is being taken up warmly, The Industrial Gazette approves of the proposal, and without wishing to deprive /\rchdeacon Colkman of the credit of originality, reminds its readers that it suggested the idea m June last m the following words which appeared on the first page of that month's issue : — ** We have an idea that a standing guarantee from the Government to provide work for all and sundry at twenty per c nt. below the ruling rates for laborers would prove a cheaper and more effective encouragement to immigration than any that has yet been promulgated : nay, further, we believe that with judicious management — without log- rolling — this could be made to pay well. The attention of benevolent society men would be confined to the sick, and enforced idleness would be unknown. We hesitate not to state our conviction that thousands are kept at Home, who would gladly emigrate, by the fear that they may suffer severely the effects of destitution m a strange land away from all their friends. To know that m case of stern necessity six or seven shillings a day could be depended upon would inspire confidence among the very class the colony w.ants — that of thrifty, honest, enterprise artisans with their wives and families. We do not for a moment believe that such a guarantee would induce or encourage either indolence or improvidence. The indolent and improvident know well that they will be provided for m some way or other ; and their indolence and improvidence show that they care very little how that provision may be made. The emigrants who would be thus encouraged to seek their fortunes on this side of the world would be of that class who would rather starve than- live on a benevolent society, and therefore the very class who would make use of the Government provision under the call of dire necessity only. We believe such a scheme would meet with general favor ; and m the interests of the colony at large we hope something will be done m this direction. ' Tho laborer is worthy of his hire- 0 Idleness means wealth despised."