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Hokitika Guardian, 27 November 1930, Page 4

The machinery for the working of the I.inem/o'oyment Act has now been set in motion, and is about to undergo its real test. The Board has been chose with a good deal'of care | and obvious fairness. The labour organisations have had a little trouble amongst themselves, but apparently the choice has been good. There has been also some comment on the selection of the farmers’ representative, hilt the ability of the individual members is generally praised. There is a heavy tn,sk ahead of the Board, and tlie members have to carry the full responsibility. The Minister in charge has indicated that the Government does not propose to interfere in the work of the Board, which thus has a free hand. The Board has now to frame its policy and set about the administration, in respect to which nothing is known as yet. The measure 4s a philantrophic one, and if it can accomplish its task, will do great service. The public should he ready to support so worthy and necessary sin objective. Tlie money to be found by the people is earmarked for a definite purpose, and the cost of administration is to be minimised bv utilising rpi far as Possible existing officials and organisations. Regarding a probable policy there is power under the law to establish labour . exchanges, assist persons or authorities with grants or loans, spread Inbornover public works, and investigate industrial possibilities. The real task of the Board is to spend its available income to the best advantage. The head of the Statistical Department is associated with the Board ns the chief administrative officer That is a goad appointment, for Mr Fraser will have available first hand a verv fair survey of the unemployed situation, with an inside knowledge of avenues for employment, and (of the possibilities of new industrial undertakings in promising fields The task abend of the Board is a very open one. On its work depends the future of the Act. If it makes good, the Act will remain, but if not the Act will quickly go. The time is ripe for a genuine effort to cope with the unemployment issue. Here, now, is the opportunity and for that purpose the Government has laid it? plans not unwisely, and provided th° machinery to do the work in mind with +h.e promise of success. For that desirable ending, wo must wait and see.