MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 October 1921, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

AUSTttAI.I X.X AND N.Z. CABLE AS.SOf-ATJON'. A REMEDY. r.ON DON, Oct. 17. Mr Join, Hill, the Secretary <d' the Boilermakers’ Society, in his monthly report, makes an amazing new suggestion for the remedying of unemployment. Ho advocates the abolition of the interests on the National Debt as the remedy for unemployment.

He says: “This interest costs more than double the total national income in pre-war times. A short Act, abolishing all interest on National loans could he passed, and the capital could he paid hack slowly and surely. As trade improved, this xx old ho a simple sacrifice for the rich men, while their capital could lie returned immediately to the small investors, who are entirely dependent iiumi their savings. Such an Act would set an example for the world to follow, and would raise the purchasing power of the country so that, home markets alone could set British industries going again.

A SYDNEY MOVE. SYDNEY. Oct. IP. A roiind-the-tahle conference hotween the Employers’ Association and the Labour Council has been arranged for on Friday to discuss the unemploy, moot (|ii(*stion. One of the cos lilts ot the conference which it is hoped to achieve is the appointment of a permanent Council of Representatives of the employers and employees generally to decide on a common basis, also with matters arising out of the 44-hour week, and the reduction of tko basic wage. . The Government is procrastinating m dealing with the commencement of a basic "reduction and is causing much comment.

OI'ESTION OF EMIGRATION. LONDON. Oct. 17. The London “Morning Post.” in asecond article headed “Empine Settlement.” urges that an immediate elforl he made to populate Canada and Australia. in the same ratio to area ns New Zealand. Tims, Canada, it says, could lake nineteen million*- more from Rri tain, and Australia eonhl take sixteen millions, even when a generous allowance is made for areas that are unsuitable for colonisation. During 10'JO Britain paid £.T4.000.00(1 (says the “Morning Post”) on public assistance to people who wore not earning as much as they cost. “Much "f this expenditure,” it declares. “might he saved if tho, British unemployed were transferred to another part of the Empire, where they would be able fully to support themselves, and to become prosperous customers of the Empire. “British industry.” it. adds. “"’ill sink under the strain of supporting hundreds ot thousands of idle hands, unless something is done in the direction suggested.”