WORK FOR 2000

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 31, 6 February 1931, Page 15

WORK FOR 2000

CITY COUNCIL'S SCHEME

UNTIL THE END OF MARCH

Arrangements have been made by tho Wellington City Council to provide employment for 2000 men from Monday jiext until the end of March. At last evening's meeting of the City Council the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup) said that at a previous meeting certain proposals, had been brought forward by which it was hoped to engage on council works the whole of tho unemployed in the city, to the extent, anyhow, of 2000 men. It was a big task, but the engineers thought they could cope with it, and at very small cost to tho council. He was assured that the whole of the work could be done for £1121, but if the "Wilton block were included in the nchedule the cost to tho council would be £1340. The Unemployment Board would pay for the labour, but had declined to pay tho insurance on the men, which would run into about £900 extra. The Hospital Board had agreed that in view of the measure of relief it would be given from paying maintenance allowances, it would pay the council £ 700, leaving the council to find £200. That meant that for £1500 at the very outside the council could carry out the works in the schedule. Mr. Troup said that he had before him a statement showing that there was enough money from balances in.excess of estimates to cover tho outlay. He thought the council could proceed without delay, commencing on Monday, since it had only to the end of March to do the work. Councillor B. A. Wright, M.P., seconded the motion, saying that it was fortunate that some method had been devised to provide work for so many men. The proposal was of far-reaching importance, because it seemed to be the ojily^ satisfactory manner of avoiding payment of the dole, said Councillor M. F. Luckie. Eejection of the Unemployment Board's offer might have a wide influence on other local bodies. Some discussion took place on the high cost of insurance, but it was pointed out that with so many men engaged the council could not take any risks. Tho motion, was carried unanimously. The schedule of works is as follows: Sand-levelling at Rongotai; improving Happy Valley road; forming Ilataitai recreation ground; No. 1 district (three ;jobs); No. 2 district (three jobs); No. 3 district (four jobs); Mount Cook National Building site; gorsc grubbing; [Wilton Block work.