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Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1931, Page 4

Thk policy with regard to the sustenance payments under the Unemployment. Act, is shaping definitely with regard to work in return for the payment to be made. According to the scheme which appears to be in mind, when applicants are going to he eligible for sustenance payments, relief work will have to he found and performed in exchange for the money payable. The proposal afoot appears to be that applicants with the proper authority will bo referred to a local hotly, the duty of which will be to provide suitable, work at hand for the applicant, and on the performance of the task set, the payments earned will bo payable from the unemployment funds. This suggests that a measure of value will he given in return for the money payable, and the method should ho more in keeping with tlie- sell-res-pect of the applicant, P'lio will realise that he is not receiving charity, hut is performing a useful work. Jhe scheme as suggested will have its value for local bodies which will derive a benefit from the work done without direct, cost to the local bodies. The class of work however, will ho limited in that it must he near at hand for the convenituee of the applicant. It will not he economical to send any worker nv great distnnet to perform the few days work he will he entitled to. and on that account the scheme will ho of special benefit to the cities and towns where population is congested, and there is the greater number of unemployed. The principle involved in the proposal is at least- satisfactory is far is it goes, and its working will he watched with interest. The idea, is that no one need he in actual want. 1 here will he a job and the facility to earn something which will he in keeping with a proper spirit of independence. T lie manhood of the derelict worker will not be undermined, for he will have the opportunity of earning what he is to receive, and what is good for his character, making him independent of mere charity.