THE WELLINGTON UNEMPLOYED.

Temuka Leader, 28 February 1880, Page 2

THE WELLINGTON UNEMPLOYED.

Wellington, Feb. 16. Eighty-sever more applications were received by the Q Vornment this afternoon for employment in road-making on the Waimate Plains ; seventy-two were taken on, making up the total number (150) required. Of these sixty-three were married men. Only about a dozen took ad vantage of the offer to be received at once into the barracks on rations. All the men were distinctly warned, before being admitted too see Colonel Header, what the terms of engagement would be, and that only those who were so badly off as to make these terms atceptable need apply. Very few turned back, the large majority thankfully and eagerly grasping at the chance offered to them. The Government have arranged to pay as much of the married men’s wages as they may desire to their wives ami families when the latter remain in Wellington.

NATIVE AFFAIRS

Wellington, Feb. 26. Various special correspondents on the west coast of this island to-day report that considerable dissatisfaction has been caused in the Taranaki district by the reduction of the allowance hitherto made to certain friendly Natives. It is almost needless to explain that the redactions which are being made all over the colony form an essential part of the policy of retrenchment in Native expenditure to which the present Mmistry stands pledged. The retrenchments are unpopular wi.h those who are the sufferers by the reductions, but they are absolutely necessary under existing circumstances. Every step taken in this direction has been by the express instructions and with the full approval of the Government, who contemplate many other reductions of a similar class, ami do not anticipate any serious discontent or unpleasantness being caussd by their action.