UNEMPLOYMENT

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 113, 10 February 1928, Page 8

UNEMPLOYMENT

POSITION IN AUCKLAND ADDITIONAL WORKS AUTHORISED AFFORESTATION SCHEME LATER Several additional works have been authorised by the Govern, nient to meet the uueniploy= inent situation in Auckland. According to a statement made by the Prime Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) yesterday, these should materially reduce the number of men actually out of work in the city. A coinpre. hensive scheme of afforestation throughout the Dominion has also been prepared, and it is expected to result in the absorption of a large number of men when the planting season commences. “The unemployment situation at Auckland has been receiving special attention, with a view to endeavouring to ascertain the actual number of unemployed, and what relief could be given to many of those in search of employment,” said Mr. Coates. “Varying, estimates have been given as to the exact number of unemployed, and until the labour bureaux are made full use of for the registration of those desiring work, no definite data can be expected as to the true position. That there is a large number of unemployed in Auckland is not denied, but there is reason to believe that it has not assumed such proportions as has been stated in some channels. Material Reduction Expected. “However, with a view to assisting the position in Auckland, instructions have been given for a number of additional works to be put in hand immediately, which should materially reduce the number of men actually out of work in the citv. The Auckland City Council will also put some works in hand, which will assist a number of married men at present out of employment. The Government has also arranged for the employment of a number of men in connection with what are known as deteriorated lands, thereby testing the possibility of bringing idle farms into a state of productivity with the class of labour available ■Big Afforestation Scheme. “A comprehensive scheme of afforestation throughout New Zealand has also been prepared for this year, which will result in the absorption of a large number of men when the planting season commences.” “It may be interesting to know,” added the Prime Minister, “that the Government is employing at the present time over 10,000 men ‘ on public works construction; of that number over 4000 are employed in the Auckland district. In the meantime all those who are in need of work are again requested to register their names at the district labour offices.” WELLINGTON FIGURES According to the latest returns supplied by the Labour Department, the unemployed registered m the city of Wellington number 391.