NO WORK FOR MARRIED MEN.

Shannon News, 21 June 1927, Page 3

NO WORK FOR MARRIED MEN.

(To the Editor). Sir—Kindly allow a little space in your valued publication to voice my 'disapproval of the; way several out-oi-work married men ara being treated in Shannon. It appears that one has to cither be single or a footballer to_ gowork in these days of depression. Everyone is willing to admit that a single man is entitled to Avork, but fair minded people will agree that preference should be given married men and if it comes to a choice between married -men then give it to one Avith a family or the largest family. My own experience is that a married man is the last being that is Avanted on a 3 ob - Some employers at the mills are giving preference mostly to single men to keep the cook house going. Ye gods! _ In times-of stress and poverty like this a cocKhouse is given greater- consideration than the struggling married man. Some married men I knoAV of were told to report for work at a certain flaxmill, but found on their arrival that their positions had been filled by single men, some of whom are footballers. Certainly the good old game needs fostering, but. not at the expense of men, Avomen and children Avho are in dire straits. About four weeks ago I applied for work on the new bridge at Shannon and Avas faithfully promised T. would have the first vacancy. I kept in touch Avith those in charge and each time Avas told to come back again. Attest vacancies occurred for two men and I Avent to Avork the next-morning, thinking, that Avith the promises made, I Avould be able to commence work, but tAVO single men had been engaged, not Shannon residents either. 'Jout two men. I am informed, who only armed from Wellington the previous afternoon. I was told by the foreman there Avas no vacancy for me, so that is all promises are worth. I am told other married men have been treated likeAvise. _ A cookhouse is being opened at the bridge so single men will be welcomed, but a married man Avill be as Avelcome as a Chinaman in a railway carriage. A snowball in Hades has a faiy better chance these days than a good many married men. Sometimes through the Press someone will say: Keep the cradle full. Suffering tomcats. -A Avorker enn scarcely purchase the necessities of life for self, Avife and small family. Sir, can't something be done to alter the present state of affairs? Are we to scour Avives and children starving'before ciur eyes? We mairied men are Avilling to Avork and should be given preference Avhere work is offering.—l am, etc., TIGHT BELT. Shannon, 18/6/27.