THE GOLDEN RULE.

White Ribbon, Volume 24, Issue 288, 18 June 1919, Page 11

THE GOLDEN RULE.

Some of the facts stated by a deputation representing the shearers, which waited upon the Minister lately, make interesting though most unsavoury reading. According to their statements, the worst features of Slumdom are to be found on large stations around Gisborne. Where the owners live in palatial residences, the quarters of the shearers are “indescribably filthy, alive with vermin,” and in some cases both sexes were sleeping in the one room. Mention was made of at least one station where several married couples were sleeping in the men’s dining-room. T he speakers did not ask for luxu ries for the men; their demands were f >r (1) comfortable sleeping quarters; {2) decent sanitary arrangements; (3) facilities for bathing. The big squatters are the chief offenders, smaller farmers as a rule obeyed the law, and provided the common decencies of life. Evidently the Government docs not compel the “big man” to comply with the law. Is this fair to the smaller faimers? Even the most conservative members of our famous National Government will admit that the home is woman’s sphere. Why not appoint a few capable women inspectors, and send them round armed with powers to enforce the law, and see that “homes” are provided for the workers on stations.