UNEMPLOYED IN AUCKLAND.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3120, 22 February 1909, Page 5

UNEMPLOYED IN AUCKLAND.

DEMAND TO SEE THE PREMIER. By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, February 20. About one hundred persons plying the unemployed banner marched through the town to the Star Hotel, at which the Premier is staying, and demanded a hearing. Sir Joseph Ward said he could not receive them before 6 o'clock, whereupon the leaders addressed the crowd in the street, which assumed considerable proportions. One speaker said Sir Joseph Ward was not their master, but their servant, and demanded an immediate interview. The Premier's attention having be°n drawn to what was goingoorn r he spoke a few words, expressing surprise to hear that there were many unemployed in Auckland. It was impossible, he added, to have regular labour conditions all the year round. The Government would do everything possible, and he would give them a further hearing at 6 o'clock to-night. AUCKLAND, February 21. A deputation of unemployed waited on Sir Joseph Ward last night. The whole question of immigration was traversed. It was stated to the Premier that there were 500 unemployed in Auckland. Sir Joseph promised that work would be found on reproductive works now going on for all who wished to take it, and advised the men to register at the Labour Bureau. He said the High Commissioner only assisted agricultural immigrants. He dwelt on the importance of immigration to a young country. No doubt some of the shipping companies were inducing people to take passages to New Zealand, and perhaps some of the chari* table institutions at Home assisted others. Representations would be made to the shipping companies on the matter. He declined to start relief works.