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Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1930, Page 4

The Government showed proof of its sincerity by presenting to Parliament its Unemployment Bill. This has now gone before a special committee of.the House to deal with. The measure did not meet with an altogether happy reception, though in all the remarks' nothing has been which could be taken as something more constructive to replace the Government proposals. If it is unfortunate that such a measure is necessary. But the times are abnormal, and the effect has been a great dislocation of industry and trade,

•attended by a slump in prices which can be, and is, seriously felt. In this emergency what is the best to be clone to provide for the workless and helpj less ? The Government took the proper course of setting up a Commission to go into the details of the situation i 1 and make recommendations. Tile subject is really outside party politics, for its effect is national, and though the root causes can be designated, it is impossible to cope with them, as it is not within the bounds of any policy to control prices or so direct traue as to ensure it remaining on a definite level. The Government gave full consideration to the recommendations of the Commission, and then brought | down a measure- designed on practical lines. It is essential, of course, that money must be found, hut naturally, there is a limit, and the Government framed proposals within the estimated requirements and the united means of raising the money. It was necessary also that a Board should be created to administer the fund. This was all on lines of the report from a representative body representing capital, labour and the civil service. The Government has not only been sincere in this matter. As in other policy matters calling for action, it has likewise | been courageous. In tbe past tbe unemployment issue has been allowed to i drift, or be treated in a palliative way. Spasmodic relief works were started, as ] the funds could be found, but money j was not always at call, and some centre's had to do more than others. These haphazard methods could not continue, and despite the difficulty of wholly solving the problem, the Government did not delay, but produced its proposals proiwtlv and earnestly. Its honesty in the matter cannot be gain- i said, and though there has boon criti- ] cism, it is very noticeable that verv little of it Ims boon constructive. It is always easier to pull down than to build nip, and the opponents of the Government have bemi rather cheerful in pursuing that line of easv net'mi without offering something tangih'e and practical to replace the proposals.