THE UNEMPLOYED.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1923, Page 3

THE UNEMPLOYED.

GOVKUXMEXT’S EFFORT. [IIY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, May 2b. “j do not think the unemployment will he as severe as it was last winter,” sitiil the Hon. G. J. Anderson today, “and, in any ease, I consider itis the duty of the public and local bodies to (io their part towards relieving it. It is their duty to help in the matter, as well as it is the duty of the Government.” Mr Anderson, who is Minister of Labour, says that, taking the country as a whole, the unemployment is not wer.-e than that usually experienced at this time of the year. He quoted official figures. On May 21, 1921, there were 11:44 on the books of the department ; and on May 20. 1922, the number was 1557. On May 19th of this year if was itb. At Auckland (in the l!)th. of this month, the number was 212. at Wellington 212, at Christchurch 12b. and at Dunedin IS. Tile figures at other towns ranged Item -II at Invercargill to 2 at Masterton. Every endeavour "as being made till over the country to place people on public works or in private employment. It any private employer can assist in the mallet, the Minister Imped he will do so. He had made arrangemnts with all the post offices to take the names of workers needing employment and of people needing workers. The post offices will endeavour to put the applicants in touch with the people they want to see. ‘•The most difficult people to place,”

lie said, “are those who are not fit for heavy work. If the members of the general public call absorb any oi them on light work, they will he doing something that "’ill he ~f ,val nsslst ”. aiice. I consider it i> ‘ho duty ‘>l t li,’ Government to help in this matte-l. r l li,. Government is doing all it can in this matter, and it is up to Urn local bodies to exert themselves as much its