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Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1931, Page 4

Tint suspension of the No. 5 Scheme in respect to the unemployment problem, is likely to have much ill-effect, unless the local bodies can come to the rescue of the workers, or some scheme be substituted temporarily. In the main centres where the unemployed have congregated mostly, there is already much dire want, even before the period of rationed ' work ends. There are thousands employed weekly on the relief works, and il there is to be a stoppage for any period over a week or two, the consequences may be very serious. As it is,- the various relief organisations in the larger towns are fully occupied providing succour for those in dire want. Ihe trouble is that the unemployment letj has not sufficed to meet the demands. Since the scheme was inauguiated, Government had to slacken its public works policy, and with no uplift in prices for primary produce, general trade became slacker. More and 1110,0 hands have been put off, and much has been said about the’plight of unemployed females for whom there is not only provision, under the Unemployment Act. A great social question faces the country, and it is obvious more money must be found for the coining period, for the winter js only entered upon. With the floating ot the late loan, the Government may be able now to do more in the way of public works, but places cannot be found for all of the thousands seeking work. No. o Scheme, or something in relation to it, must he ievived to tide over a very difficult period. Locally, there is very welcome aid from a large private undertaking. which had it not been m hand at this juncture, would have caused very alarming distress here. As it is. there is not occupation for all, and many willing and good workers aue out of employment. There should be, some effort made to meet the |iy»ition. The blow to the saw-milling industry by- the late exchange rates might he eased now that Australia is preparing to move in the direction of meeting her financial position. Australia, will require the timber New Zealand can send for its industry, and j an appeal to the banks to ro operate I mi ill it not lie in vain. Safeguards could be adopted whereby abuse of any remission of exchange for legitimate trading could be guarded against, n the wheels in the milling trade could be started again, it would be most helpful to the local condition of affairs.

That is an aspect which should he investigated to the fullest extent without delay. As reVards actual relie-i work, something requires to be done very quickly, and with Parliament assembling next week, no time should he lost in money being provided at once to enable the- Unemployment Board to function again to the best possible advantage, and so avoid anything in the way of a national calamity.