CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1929, Page 5

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MOVE TO COPE WITH UNEMPLOYMENT.

BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT

HASTINGS, Sept. 17

The Chamber of Commerce subcommittee appointed to investigate the conditions of unemployment submitted u report containing the following recommendations:—The adoption of a Dominion insurance scheme upon an. actuarial basis devoid of stigma of dole. That the Government acquire good land in the vicinity of centres of population that can he subdivided into five acres or ten acres lots with the aid to finance the necessary improvement so that farmers, whose employment is seasonal or intermittent, may have the first opportunity of augmenting ' their, earnings by farming such lots. Attached to the report was a tentative draft of a settlement plan, suggesting tlie Government purchase areas of first class land to be subdivided into garden village areas, consisting of five acres or ten acres lots. The schepie would be worked on a community or co-operative basis under the supervision of a paid committee of selection and control. There would be communal cultivation and labour and group marketing following.

The estimated first cost of 'a five acre block was given'. Five acres at £IOO ail .acre, £SOO ; house, £6OO, sheds, fencing, etc., £IOO ; stock, plants, trees, seeds, manure, implements, etc., £100; contingencies, £6O; total, £1600; repayment of principal and interest by Government mortgage at six per cent insurance rates, etc., £2 a week. It was suggested that all holders be insured against accident and death, speculation, to be prohibited and sales only allowed under certain conditions. The full text of the report and recommendations are to be sent to the Government.