THE UNEMPLOYED.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2986, 10 September 1878, Page 2

THE UNEMPLOYED.

I'(fd'the Editor of the Evening Star.) .: | Sic, —Twe'ye years "ago there was raised in Auckland the painful and heartrending cry of destitution';, it wa3 eatiinated thai eight hundred men, withutheir jFamilies, rose from their, scanty beds crusting to a beneficent providence to place a meal before them. Our'late respected (superintendent, Mr Williamson, proposed stone-breaking as the only means of alleviating their distress. A many availed themselves of the opportunity, and a many said, " I cannot beg; to break stones lam ashamed." Fortu: faately, the Thames opened out her arms; kud carried away the surplus population. •We have now the same lamentable cry here, .and"'the heartless Borough Council!ors, "witlK'a united voice, cry out— "Breakstones." The menial occupation may be hailed ■ by some with delight, by Others rejected. Suppose reverses were Suddenly,to tall across the path of Deans, Bawdpns; •" and a few of the Borough Council, and .their only means of subsistence would be by cracking sf one's all ; day long in Pollen street, to be gazed upon by thoße'..whp knewithemin the Jolly days /of I affluence, what would; be their feelings in such a position. I think it is- time.the working men, who may not have a superabundant amount of food,\but still 1 hold votes/should look ;to them, and endeavour t ( o elect men who will strain every nerve to place the Thames in such a position that no man resident here will have causa to utter the piteous cry; o& destitution. ,If Borough Councillors, will assist-tho County in making and improving roads to the upper coiihtry,' instead of beautifying their own fancy'"little spots; they would /introduce trade and capital' here, and .thereby save the poor little hungry children from starvation.—l am, &0., ■ : , . .J. H. SMALLMAN. ; , - ! Shortland,- Sept. 10th, IS7B. ' ''