MARERETU.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 197, 12 May 1893, Page 5

MARERETU.

[from our own correspondent] Your excellent leader of the 31st ultimo, on the question of ‘ State aid for the unemployed ’ has been most favourably commented upon here. At the present time when the question of State relief for the unemployed and others who are physically unable to maintain themselves, is eliciting so much discussion, the following brief extract from the Austrian Poor Lawsystem will,lam confident, be read with interest. — ‘ln Austria a very decided difference is made between the treatment of men reduced to want through no fault of their own, and that of men whose poverty is the direct outcome of their own lazy or extravagant habits. The former are fellow citizens to be helped, ‘ the latter almost criminals to be punished.’ Supposing a man be suddenly reduced todestitution he is provided with board and lodging in the casual ward, Then he is informed where best he can procure work, and if (for he is carefully watched) he shows himself in earnest in seeking employment, his board and lodgings are continued until he finds it. No disgrace or reflection whatever is attached to a visit to the casual ward, or even to the workhouse. Its an unfortunate and inconvenient little episode, and that is all. And then the workhouse itself is altogether free from that touch cf jaillike monotony which renders life in an English union so depressing. This is the way the industrious are treated. The hopelessly lazy and utterly corrupt are sent to the Zwangarbe’t Hans, a very different place with a very different discipline. The chief contrast, however, between the Austrian and English system is in the treatment of old men and women, n'

children admirable as are the arrangements made for the temporarily destitute as also for the young, the sick and infirm, it is, above all, by the system it pursues with regard to the aged poor that Austria has gained its reputation for wise humanitarianism. After seventy, or if feeble at an earlier age, the Austrian poor are freed from work, and can claim, as a right, admittance into the municipal almshouses, where they enjoy the fullest liberty together with the comforts of a home. This, then, (in its barest outline) is the Austrian poor system,and it is quoted to show that a ‘ Poor Law ’ can be based on the truest, principles, how in fact, whilst it relieves distress it avoid* pauperising the people, and whilst it

cultivates individual and national virtues, it tends to check their corresponding vices. Deep regret is expressed throughout the whole of these districts at the sudden demise of the Premier. It may be a long time before New Zealand will have another Premier as able and honest a statesman as the late Hon. John Ballance.

Mr T W. Wilson (of Paparoa) conducted divine worship here in the Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday last, when he gave a most impressive and eloquent discourse, taking his text from the Book of Job—-1-22. ‘ln all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.’ Mr Wilson’s visits are very much appreciated in Mareretu. I should like to see the Bell circulate more largely through these districts. It is a paper that merits the support of the settlers in these districts, for its sound, truthful, patriotic and democratic principles. Forward Postal Note to the proprietor for 2s 6d and receive the paper for one quarter : you will never regret the expenditure of that half-crown. One at a time, please, do not ail ask at once. lam pleased to be able to report that a branch of the Auckland Liberal Association lias been established in Paparoa. Mr H. Hook has been elected Secretary. I must congratulate them on their choice of a Secretary. Mr Hook is an ardent supporter of the Liberal cause, and I am confident he will infuse considerable life and activity into the Association. The Liberal party cannot afford to stand still; they will cease to be the nezu Liberal party the very day they cease to advance. We are told by an able exponent of the Liberal cause that ‘ Eternal vigilance is the price of true liberty .’ I learn it is not improbable that the Rev. Mr Horsfall (Anglican clergyman) may be appointed by the Bishop to take charge of the Paparoa parochial district.