CAPITAL V LABOUR.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3607, 6 September 1890, Page 2

CAPITAL V LABOUR.

(TothlEditor.) Bib,-I am a working man, and as such found myself listening to a labor agitator in the Theatre Royal last evening; As a matter offact I was exceediflglyinterestedihtbediscourse, and noos'vmore than I; would have teen giaj to hear a. solution—a fair and square solution—of the problem whioli'ip of suph vital importance; to the masses ot people. But, sir, in my ppirjion the lecturer, although enthusiastic) in because and eloquent in h'ig allotted his imagination/to soar high, above the

atmosphere' of common sense 'and judgment in allusions' to' the relationspf'Ppitftl: tQ labop.-Tiue, the ftudienoe wa's paralysed, spellbound, and,,as aresult, appreciative. But', I ask, who of those two hundred or more present analysed th' 6 remarks ofthalwttttW?' -ItoMl WUflV At

any rate there are some points which I Require explanation. For instance, i Itfr CojjinSj in a very elaborate style, laid down a platform for payment by results. Said he: "1 would advocate : a standard thereby the man working at the moat dangerous,; the most arduous, and the most useful employ-' mentßhould receive the highest wage, and that the wage he. graded; downwards." Now, sir, you will agree'with' me when I state that the two most dangerous, arduous, and yet most useful occupation's in this colony .are bushfelling'and mining. Supposing now that for-these two occupations men were paid day, and this was .the highest, wage procurable, ; Would not tradesmen; mechanics, and even those who have professions leave their shops anil' offices': and devote themselves-to'.,the most lucrative employment ? Would not our forests soon be laidlow and the'earth Boondisetribowelled of her treasures ? : As a mate of course the Bupply.would naturally exceed the demandinthisdireo-

tion.But, itwillbe contended, allare not fitted for bußlifelling and mining. I agree in this respect. Why{lhan, should a man who has the, ; misfortune to enter this world with mental or other ability, and yet: with a weak constitution, be compelled to work for leas wages than his brother _ whose musoular system adapts .him- for bushfelling? Is not this utter rot and foolishness., And yet thisjs only one of many Bimilar suggestions wbioh were applauded by workingmeh last night. permitted, quote oiher. Japsurdjremarks of this passing dem'agogue.lln. conclusion I would ask' Mi'h^! o *

working men, in their own 'fututej interests, to beware of these' agitators who wish to rob them of their iri- , dividual liberty and power and ..concentrate it in a labor or other Council, 1am,&0., . WobkihoMah,