SUBSISTENCE WAGES.

Patea Mail, 2 December 1880, Page 3

SUBSISTENCE WAGES.

Siu, —In leaving the ranks of the unemployed, I take leave to say that that institution will become a white elephant to the taxpayer if the management is carried on as at present, I have been quite long enough among tho unemployed to know that tho whole thing is a farce; because I take it that the intention of the state aid is or should be for the relict and assistance to a bettor position of those honest poor who have fallen victims of pure misfortune ; persons who will, when circumstances permit, pay back all they have received from the state for the relief of others in like circumstances. I think it is in the selection of those who are to receive state aid where tho inspection should begin, and that by a thoroughly competent person, one who knows the honest poor when lie secs them. In distributing state aid, the honest poor should be taken before the drunken or dissolute. I have no doubt the drunkard and the extravagant spendthrift do contribute as much, perhaps more, towards the revenue than the honest poor; but who contributes the most towards universal happiness ? Who contributes the most towards elevating and improving mankind V Who is it that contributes the most towards raising poor humanity from the dark purlieus of misery, pollution, and crime? Poverty is the grimmest foe the world holds, a serpent who stifles talent ere talent can lise. that blasts genius ere genius can be hoard, and that turns the germs of good into the giant of evil.— Alpha.