A DEPLORABLE FEATURE.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 April 1921, Page 4

A DEPLORABLE FEATURE.

A deplorable feature of the slackness that has been so apparent of recent years is the effect it has had upon the minds of the boys and youths^—our future men. They have been taught to believe that the game is to “beat the boss,” to do as little as they can for the biggest wages possible, and, unfortunately, they have seen that a conscientious regard for the employer’s interests has often been made the object of the workmen’s displeasure and open hostility. Nothing more harmful to the lads themselves could be contemplated. If they are to make their way in life, and to rise at all so as to eventually become their own masters —as many of their fathers have done —they must give of their best and at all times be loyal and conscientious. Moreover, it is the best policy, for when times become stringent, as now is the case, the employer naturally retains the services of the best of his employees, and .will always advance his interests when opportunity offers. Honesty, therefore, pays in employment as in other things, 'Dishonesty never does and never can. For a youth not to give of his best is dishonesty, for that is taking wages without giving value in return. But the important point is that the youth owes it to himself first of all to be conscientious in the discharge of his duties to Iris employer, and the person who influences him otherwise is doing his character very considerable harm and very likely blightfrig his future prospects. For that reason many of the leaders of the extreme Labor Party have a lot to answer for, and are a menace to the best interests of the State. The time will come when this fact will be generally realised, and the workmen themselves will be the first to denounce them and be prepared to support their deportment from the shores of this fair land.