OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 July 1939, Page 3

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

UNEMPLOYMENT

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Judging from “E.G.C’s” reply to my letter on the very serious problem of unemployment it appears that, like many, he is more concerned with politics than unemployment. It seems to me that the public are so blinded by politics in New Zealand that they are, generally speaking, quite unable to face up to realities. This I think is very clearly demonstrated by both parties in the House. Instead of members discussing important matters of State, they waste valuable time in resorting to cheap jibes and personalities • without constructive criticism or suggestions, and as neither party has any respect for the other many members have to resort to self-admiration to cover up their real ignorance concerning vital matters on which they have no worth while opinions.

Some politicians are so small-minded and love their own authority so much it appears that they want to keep the unemployed in such a condition that it is necessary for them to go cap-in-hand to some Government official or department whenever they require work or food. Some politicians would like to reduce the country to such a state that all are dependent on them for their very existence, and those that talk most about "wage slaves” are the very ones who would like all, but themselves, to be the prisoners of the State.

Whatever politicians may say the following facts are worthy of consideration by all employers and employees:— (1) The past Government failed like most previous governments to introduce any satisfactory solution for the absorption of the unemployed into permanent work in which they would no longer be a burden on the State. They also failed in finding enough funds to pay satisfactory wages, although to be fair they were greatly hampered by one of New Zealand’s worst financial depressions, and great anxiety for the future. (2) The present Government is to be congratulated for increasing wages and finding temporary work for the unemployed. Of course an exceptional period of prosperity was marvellously helpful. They are to be congratulated on encouraging local industries to absorb the unemployed, although it appears that most of these industries will not be able to absorb many men on account of comparatively limited markets. The present Government is to be condemned for not finding more permanent work for men on the land. There are thousands of unemployed men still dependent on the taxpayers who by now could be supporting themselves on the land to the advancement of all.

(3) The Opposition are to be condemned for not strongly advocating some policy that would permanently absorb, at any rate, several thousands of unemployed. (4) All taxpayers and thoge who grumble against the Government are to be blamed if, being dissatisfied with the present state of affairs, they have not troubled to make some practical suggestions that might be of value to the Government in helping solve the unemployment problem. (5) Generally speaking, the Press is to be blamed for not more strongly advocating a cessation of futile political recriminations in the House that lead nowhere, do no good and’waste the public’s money. (6) The public are to be blamed for expecting politicians to do all their thinking for them and create a paradise. After all we cannot very well expect a paradise if we don’t deserve one and none of us do.

(7) It is possible that things may reach such a state that it will become increasingly difficult to find work for all and that is why it is absolutely necessary that definitely permanent employment be found for as many as possible as soon as possible, and this can be done for thousands within 12 months. —Yours, etc., L. B. MAUNSELL. Masterton, July 14. THE PRICE OF MILK (To the Editor) Sir, —In reply to the various correspondents on the price of milk in Masterton, have any of the writers considered that it is not the vendor alone who is concerned in the raising of the price, as it so happens in Masterton the rise was not the wish of the vendors, but was forced of necessity through the farmers themselves advocating an advance. ’ In other districts the price is governed by the existing conditions, the price charged by the supplying farmers and the accessability of subsidiary winter supplies. It is not the fact of being a dairying district that counts but the number of farms available to supply needs during the lean period. In regard to Carterton’s price of 6d at the present time, I am in a position to know that this charge is to be permanent throughout the year. I also would like to make it clear that in regard to boys being employed, the majority work only two or three hours at the most and many less. They receive £1 weekly, surely not a pittance. As one of the vendors who performs a public service 365 days a year, hail, rain or snow, I am proud to continue to do so and only ask “Puzzled” to remember that all jobs have their difficulties, not apparent to the public eye, and I think that the milkman’s is one that has many which the public does not realise. —I am, etc., A VENDOR. Masterton, July 15.