UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

Evening Star, Issue 19787, 10 February 1928, Page 14

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

WHAT IS BEING DONE AFFORESTATION SCHEME PREPARING [Pbr United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 1). Tho Prime Minister made the following statement in regard to the unemployment situation at Auckland;— “The unemployment situation at Auckland has been receiving special attention with a view to endeavoring to ascertain the actual number of unemployed and what relief could lie given to many of those in search of employment. Varying estimates have been given as to the exact number of unemployed, and until the labor bureaux are made full use of for the registration of these 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 (here is reason to believe that it has not assumed such proportions as has been slated in some channels. “However, with a view to assisting the position in Auckland instructions have been given tor a number of additional works to be put in hand immediately, and these should materially reduce the number of men actually out of work in the city. Tho 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 slate of productivity with the class ol labor available. “ A comprehensive scheme of afforestation throughout New Zealand has also been prepared for this year, and will result in the absorption of a largo number of men when tho planting season commences. It may be interesting to know that the Govern inent is employing at the present time over 10,000 men on Public AVorks construction. Of that number over 4,000' 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 labor offices ”