UNEMPLOYMENT BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1930, Page 6

UNEMPLOYMENT BOARD

AIR LEADLEY CORRECTED. ONLY A PRIVATE OPINION. i Mv Telegraph— Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, December 30. “I feel sure that he has been misreported,” said Hon. Mr Smith (Minister of Labour), when Mr Leadley’s remarks regarding the possibility of an increase in. the unemployment levy were brought to his notice. “But if he has mot been misreported,” said Air Smith, “he is only expressing his nrivate opinion. That causes me, as Chairman of the Board, some‘surprise, because such a. question has never been discussed, eUher by the Board or the Government. None will know exactly what the revenue from the levy will be until the end of this month,” The (Minister explained that, seven days after December 31—the last day for the payment of the first quarter’s levy—every' employer whose employees had not registered or paid would he liable to a fine if he continued to employ them. Regarding Air Leadley’s statement that the Board was making provision for sustenance pavments, Air Smith said that, though sustenance had been discussed by the Board, it had not yet reached finality on the subject. ANOTHER REPUDIATION. AVELLINGTON, December 30. The Acting-Prime Minister. Air Ransom, has issued the following statement :--“AI,v attention has been drawn to a statement made hv Air W. E. Lead lev, a member of the Unemployment Board, to the effect that there was nothing surer than that the unemployment levy of 30s would he increased !>v Parliament next session. No doubt Mr Lcadlov is expressing his own opinion, hut T have to point out that the question of amending the legislation is a matter which must necessarily emanate from the Government. T think it is most improbable that any increase will he made.”