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Hokitika Guardian, 25 March 1931, Page 4

It was emphasised by the T neinployinent Board in the course of a letter to the Local Committee read on l\londny nicrht. that in the working of No. .■> scheme the purpose of the Act be kept in mind. It was stressed specially, that the act and the fund were not introduced for the purpose of relieving distress arising from any cause other than unemployment of the wage-earn-er--that is the man "'ho works regularly for ages. It wa.s pointed out there were many persons in difficult circumstances and fully deserving of help, hut such classes of persons were outside the scope of the scheme, unless they could lie classed as regular wage earners, and were now out of regular work The Local Committee was asked to use local knowledge to see that the right men only were employed under the schemes, and in all instances they must he actually and genuinely unemployed workers seeking and needing work. 'Fhe Local Committee thoughtthen' might he several cases where this rule applied here, and a number of specific instances were looked into. But in all cases excepting one. the tlie men were considered properly eligible and entitled to employment. Another matter mentioned was the payment of the unemployment- levy by those taking advantage of the scheme. It is imperative for the contribution to he paid regularly. Tbo second payment is due now. and must be on id not later than next week. If proof of payment is not produced to the local body officer employing the men. the men will lose their right to work till the levy is paid. This is imperative as the local body is liable if men who have not paid their legal contribution, are continued in the employment of the

local authority; and this penalty applies generally to ail employers of labour. The onus is on them to see that their employees have paid the levy as it becomes due. It would appear from the d .s. ic-skins at Mir day evening’s meeting that the Act is being administered here very fairly. Quito a limn’ or of farmers are taking advantage of the No 1 scheme, which has a currency of six months, and affords the farmer an opportunity to have much extra work done on bis bolding. (Icnorally, it seems that a good deal of practical good is resulting from the operations of tin- Act here.