The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1930. THE UNEMPLOYMENT ACT.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 November 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1930. THE UNEMPLOYMENT ACT.

As the time lor the application of the above measure passed by the recent idarliameut draws near, various objections are being raised to the principle of the Act so lar afi the plan or scheme for administration is outlined. It is, of course, quite too late for these protests to carry any weight or immediate result. The Act is in force, and has to be administered. That depends in a large measure on the personnel and enthusiasm of the Board now about to be set up. There will bo eight members of the Board, the majority of whom will be drawn from those nominated by organisations and interests for Government choice. There is no doubt in selecting the Board, the Government will be careful to choose a personnel which will command public confidence. The act affords a good deal of, latitude in the way of administration, nnd the Acting Prime Minister in the latest pronouncement, indicates assistance is to bo given to farmers to enable more farm labour to be employed. This strikes us as being »v, specially worthy move. It is not sufficient that work only should, be provided for the unemployed. Mr Ransom very properly desires to get away from the system of merely relief work, which so often while it meetvs a very present need, does not go far enough in ensuring reproduction for the effort expended. Work unless reproductive in its result is largely a waste, and does not help the material position of the country. Well directed employment for the unemployed is what is necessary, and the task of the Board in that direction is of the greatest importance to the ultimate fortunes of the country. There is no doubt that when the system is in working order, many staffs at present somewhat overloaded will be reduced. There has been the hint of that in respect to the railways for instance. But in addition, it is conceivable that private firms will also reduce staffs at times, in order to economise. There is thus sure to be an increasing strain on the demands under the Act, which makes the general situation the more •interesting. The Board is going to have a very onerous task placed on its shoulders nnd its duties or rather scope will need to be as elastic as possible. Because of that we welcome the recent liberal pronouncement by the Prime Minister’s deputy that financial assistance will be given the man on the land to help with settlement development. It is from that source where the greatest feeder is derived for the national welfare, and an effort in the direction of adding to the possibilities of production will be on mos acceptable lines. With regard to this matter, the country can afford to take a sympathetic interest. The bugbear of unemployment is a very real monac. Unless Something definite is attempted we are not at all hopeful about conditions next year. A serious situation has to he met in advance, and the prolongation of low prices for produce, anticipated to the fullest extent, Tf in the interim a genuine attempt is made to systematise the operations of the Act, and have it in progressive working or !<-i\ the outcome will he loss acute, am. the future will bo brighter all mmu. Unless there is that vady oo- »j>ei nfion which is most indisnensible now, the outlook will be far from torv, and as time goes on, tbn W oral condition mere and more diffirul to cone with. We see in other countries how the great problem of "imninlovme.it. grows. A great countrv like I he United State* wPh Ml > ■ wealth, ha, - verv .liffionß .»n to meet, and it can do no bet - . suggest relief works. In the Mothuland the dole continues to he the bes panacea propounded, but it wou.i a - pear it is being traded on and in danger of hMomiiy « ins '; tuiion. Near Zealand through the

Unemployment Board proposes to create useful work as a means to meet the situation, and that it it can be attained, is the happiest- solution of all. Work will give contentment ami a degree of profit or reward which admirably meets the situation. .because of that ultimate possibility, it is the duty of all to co-operate to- the fullest extent in securing the smooth running of the Unemployment Act, and so go some length towards the ideals in mind to achieve success.