[To THE EDITOR OF THU "SPECTATOR"] Sxn.,—I propose that all
wages earned through relief works should be paid, not to the workers direct, but into the bureau of the said works. To this bureau the tradesmen and land- lords of the workers would apply for payment of their several accounts, any surplus to be retained by the bureau, and banded to the earner when be had obtained employment by other means than that of public relief. This would serve a treble purpose. First, it would ensure that the ratepayers' money went, not to the publican and the "bookie," but to supply the person assisted with food, raiment, and house- room, thus equipping him physically for his labours. Second, it would spur him on to seek and to keep work without assistance from the rates, in order that he might regain his independence, and the privilege of spending his earnings as seemed best to himself. Third, it would be a check on those who throw up work, in country and town alike, in order to secure the better paid and easier employment provided by the authorities. It is the manner in which earnings are spent, as much as the lack of will or power to work, which has brought the country to its present pass. Tens of thousands of shift- less creatures would be converted into steady working men by the first taste of such supervision of their private affairs. One would also get rid at a blow of all who merely seek employment for a few hours in the week that they may have money for their beer and their pipe. To these amenities they have full right, but not at the ratepayers' expense. I advocated a somewhat similar plan in a book published the other day, "Brother East and Brother West: a Searchlight on the Unemployed."—I am, Sir, 20 Bedford Street, W. C. LEIGHTON LEIGH.
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