ASSISTING THE MARRIED WORKER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9156, 1 August 1908, Page 5

ASSISTING THE MARRIED WORKER.

MOTION IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, July 31. In the Legislative Council, this afternoon, the Hon. J. Barr (Canterbury) moved "that in the opinion of the Council the Government should immediately consider devising some practical measures whereby the heavy cost of living of married workers compared with unmarried may be lessened, and that men with families should, be especially considered, so that the rearing of families may be looked forward to with less anxiety and parenthood encouraged." The question, he said, was of supreme moment throughout the world. The present immigration met all the requirements, but manyirnmigrants were assisted who were not entitled to the concession. The Government had done something in the direction indicated by the motion. Homes for workers should he the initial step. He quoted statistics to show the disparity in the cost of living between married and single workers, and the disadvantage to the former as compared with the latter, and urged that preference should be granted to married workers by employers. State labour agencies should be established similar to those existing in Geimany. He thought, too, there was an unjust tax upon every day necessities, which could not be manufactured in the Dominion. Doctors should be employed and paid by the Government, and should regularly visit'schools and the houses of people without waiting to be sent for when too late to save life. Parenthood carried with it a claim in the State. (Applause). The Hon. R. A. Loughnan (Wellington) seconded tho motion, and said that Mr Barr's motion represented the true wishes of the country. The debate was adjourned.