UNEMPLOYMENT BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1931, Page 2

UNEMPLOYMENT BOARD

CHAIRMAN REPLIES TO MR HOLLAND. WELLINGTON, February 3. Replying to Mr Holland’s recent statement in regard to the Unemployment Act and payment of sustenance, the Chairman of the . Unemployment Board (Hon. Mr Smith) says the Board is conforming strictly to the terms of the Act, which provides that sustenance “may,” be paid The Board therefore, in view of the growing list of unemployed and the possibility of work not being available for all,, prepared regulations necessary for the payment of sustenance so that there would be no delay if the need arose. Under scheme 5 which is on a rationing basis. Hon. Smith says, it will be possible for every man to obtain n certain amount of work each week.

In regnrd to Mr Holland’s charge that the Board has failed hopelessly in th« matter of providing work, Mr Smith says Mr Holland is plainly out of touch with the facts, which are that during two months of its existance t.he Board has originated schemes whereby local bodies and 120 local committees in all parts of the Dominion. have found work for thousands of men involving an outlay of nearly one hundred thousand. -

The Board he says, has the right to expect support from members of Parliament. but it is very doubtful if Mr Holland nan reconcile his comment with his plain duty , to assist in every way in the amelioration of the troubles of .the unemployed.