EMPLOYERS CRITICAL

Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1929, Page 7

EMPLOYERS CRITICAL

INDUSTRIAL INSURANCE ASSAILED. “PAY MEN TO WORK.” The suggestion for introducing unemployment insurance into New Zealand came in for stern criticism at tlie luncheon the other afternoon of the Auckland Provincial Employers’ Association, says the Auckland Sun.

Introducing the question, Mr J. S. Dawes, vice-president of the association, said employers should make efforts to be certain, that the Government would not rush legislation through in such a. controversial subject. There wc|e complications in the application of the principle of the scheme, he said, and employers should have an opportunity to review any proposal on the question.

“Such an insurance, besides swooning aside the Arbitration Court, would make paupers of the thousands of New Zealanders,” declared Mr Albert Spencer, the president. “I would view such a scheme with great misgiving. It may be satisfactory in Great Britain, where conditions are different from those in New Zealand, nnd I think it may have to be dispensed with there.”

Mr * G. Lunn could not see the need the insurance in a young country. “It is monstrous to think of taxing the industries of this country to allow workers to refrain from work,” he said. “We should pay men to work, not to idle.” “I do not want to see this country ruined,” said Mr G. Finn, who also criticised the proposal. “Personally, I do not believe there has yet been a real effort in New Zealand to solve unemployment. Some money lias been spent on such works as recreation reserves.

“There is really ample work in New Zealand to keep everyone of our unemployed occupied for a year. With a real effort, the men could be put to work within 24 hours.” Mr Finn referred to land areas needing development, the necessity for building up the timber industry, fencing and the opening of pastures.