THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 1909. THE WANT OF WORK.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3220, 18 June 1909, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 1909. THE WANT OF WORK.

It is a rather curious commentary upon the Ministerial attitude in regard to the unemployment question, that 'he Premier should receive a deputation, introduced, too, by a Government member (Mr H. G. Ell) which hdd as its object the drawing of attention to the distress at present prevailing in Wellington and Christchurch In the latter city things have been found to be very much worse than was thought to be the case, and it is estimated that there are at least 1,000 men actually needing work, many of whom are absolutely reduced to their last penny. In Wellington, according to Mr McLaren, M.P., conditions have not been so bad for fifteen years past. The Prime Minister is hopeful that the prosecution of public works and the Government's bush falling proposals will relieve the position, but very slight reflection is sufficient to convince one that the situation of the working man in New Zealand is serious, and that the Government cannot do a very great deal to improve matters for him. The real cause of the trouble is the lessening, comparatively, of private employment. It is true that the "dump" has thrown maDy men out of employment who would otherwise be engaged, but the great cause of thi unemployed trouble in this country, and which will exercise an effect the reverse of beneficial for several years to come, at least, is that the ] employing of men has been made a distasteful business to employers by the Government. Employers, now-a-davs, are fettered and bound down in every direction, and what is the natural consequence of such a condition of affairs? Namely, that people i with capita! are adverse to sinking it in a:i industry, and those who have invested are inclined to "pull out." We speak of the country progressing —in some ways it is doing so—but it is a mo:-it patent fact that there has not been that growth of industries, which under ordinary conditions could be expected. Private capital should be encouraged to come into the country, and the very best policy that the Government can pursue in the in- . terests of the working man is to give | reasonable protection and encourage-

ment to private employers. Until this is done Labour in New Zealand will never e:;joy a really good time. The touch of depression, which we are having, should surely impress upon the ranks of Labour that a sane and cautious policy should be pursued in the true interests of all classes.