ANTI IMMIGRATION.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2842, 25 March 1878, Page 2

ANTI IMMIGRATION.

(To the Editor of the Evzhiko Stab.)

Sib,—As a preliminary your readers may read Brutus to the .Romans (Shakespeare). At the working men's meeting in Auckland the Hon. Mr Sheehan seems astonished at the eagerness shown by the public - for GoTernment situations, and advises the working men to bring their children up to work. He leads us to infer the learned professions are overstocked, or says so. Sir, one reason these people are so anxious for these situations —I take it to be—is the knowledge that life is made more secure for those holding Government appointments, and is made, if possible, insecure for all outside to enable those in office to hold their billets securely. Sir, if brain work is overdone what is. the use of Government schools for educating the children of the working classes P A laboring man can hardly live now without brains. I want my children to learn some trade: lam answered, "I can't find enough work-for myself, and cannot afford an apprentice." If tho labor market is overstocked and the learned professions the ssme, now what will the country be when these children grow up to manhood without the means of learning a trade or entering a profession ? Sir G. Grey does not consider it material prosperity for a man to be a laborer all his lire. Is it material for that man's welfare that he shall run the risk at any- time of being thrown out of employment and not able to get his living ? It is no excuse to say that you are an* fitted for colonial fife—so much the greater reason why immigration should be stopped. What is the use of Government education i? an outlet cannot be found ? The money spent in it would be better spent in labor; the people then might be able to educate their own; All men can't live on politics. Sir G. Grey on the Local Option Bill (I write from memory) sympathises with the hotelkeepers because he knew.of several that befriended men when they were out of employment. Yet Sir G. Grey says he wi!i, if possible, carry on immigration with greater energy than ever, notwithstanding both the Hon. Mr Sheehfn sad Sir George Grey testify against it. „,'. ■. .-: !*• H. Sax*

March 25.