THE WORKERS' LEAGUE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8459, 8 June 1907, Page 5

THE WORKERS' LEAGUE.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —It is with somewhat mixed feelings t that I notice the formation of a Workers' Lands for Settlement League. No one acquainted with the district and its possibilities will deny that such a league is urgently required. No town has such enormous areas in so close proximity as Masterton; areas; that if utilised and brought under closer settlement, would of themselves have the desired effect indicated by the chairman of the League, namely, more population for Masterton. Manufactures jis not the first thing that is required. In my estimation, what i,s wanted is for the League to urge upon the Government to acquire and cut up some of these large areas, and also at the same time to acquire an area for workers' dwellings. The League should point out the folly of the Government erecting State-branded houses, as has been done in other centres, but should leave the selection of type of house to those likely to occupy same or else erect houses of ordinary design. Now, Sir, this is rather a large order, and is rather a strange commentary on our boasted lands for settlement policy, and hardly complimentary to the member for the district or the Government. But every one must admit in this respect, for some reason or another, Masterton has been neglected, and will continue to be neglected unless we show some enthusiasm in pushing forward this movement. When approached some time ago to acquire an area for workers' dwellings the Government declared that we did not require assistance of this kind, pointing out that all houses had large areas, and we had no small sections, such aa obtained in other towns. Well, Sir, you know the hollowness of this statement, as a matter of fact sections and rents—vin important factor —are approximating to that of any other town of similar size, where the Government have acquired areas for workers' dwellings. To me the is that the Government look upon Masterton as a pocket seat. They can depend upon a Government candidate being returned; that being so neither the member nor the district can expect anything so long as the present conditions remain. The people are virtually told that these superior people know better than they, their requirements, and until it pleases our superiors to grant our humble requests we must remain on our knees and supplicate their attention, our member meantime remaining a mere automation. If the League does nothing else than rouse the Government or our member out of their sonambulistic condition, it will have justified its existence. It requires the help of all classes in this endeavour. Increased population means increased prosperity for all, and it behoves the merchant professional man and worker to combine for this long-delayed attention, and may their efforts be crowned with success.—l am, etc., PROGRESS. Masterton, June 6th, 1907.