THE LABOUR UNREST.
[To TRE EDITOR Or TUN "SPECTATOR."] Sia,—I read with interest your article in last week's issue regarding the question of the unrest in the labour world and heavy taxation, and I would like to suggest for the consideration of persons better able than I to judge these matters whether there is not another cause for the labour unrest besides the present general heavy taxation, and one which actually affects the wages of the working classes. I have always understood that legislation of the Poor Law type tends to depress wages. Now, is not all the legislation of the past few years for the supposed benefit of the working classes of that nature, and is not the effect now culminating and being felt P The principal Acts are the Education Act, the Workmen's Compensation Act, and the Old-Age Pensions Act. Is not the charge entailed by these Acts being taken by employers directly out of the work- men's wages either by reduction of or by not raising wages P I know a case in which employers make a small deduction-2d. I think—every week out of each man's wages to recoup them- selves the accident premium. If my suggestion is correct the Insurance Act will be the "last straw," and it will be interest- ing to see what the result will be.—I am, Sir, ate.,
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