NO. 5 SCHEME

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1931, Page 3

NO. 5 SCHEME

TO BE CONTINUED. TILL PARLIAMENT MEETS. (By Telegraph — L’er Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 18. The Prime Minister announced tu-day that the Government had given further consideration to the unemployment problem, and to the numerous representations which have been made for the continuance of Scheme No. 5. Air Forbes stated that although the facts of his previous statement and the reasons which led up to the announcement of the- suspension of the No. 5 Scheme had in no way been altered, the Government lias, under tne special circumstances and in view of the whole-hearted demand from ah parts of the Dominion, uee.ded upon tiie temporary continuance oi the scheme.

Air' Forbes stated that one of the first duties of Parliament would be to consider the question yl funds lor the Unemployment Board, and the Government intended to bring down legislation at the earliest opportunity in the forthcoming session, with this end in view. In the meantime, however, as the result of earnest representations and with a view to relieving the unfortunate position in which many of our people were placed, through lack ol employment, the Government had decided upon the continuance of the scheme until such time as Parliament could deal with the problem. He • said, that, additional finance, which is based.on the large numbers of unemployed now to be dealt with, is essential. The. Government realises, said MV Forbes, that the responsibility for the stability and increase of the unemployment funds will rest upon Parliament, and as the session will commence within a week, he bad every hope that reasonable provision would he made so that relief could he continued.

EFFECT OF DECISION. WELLINGTON. June IS. The result of the. Govern-'-entN decision regarding the No. 5 Scheme is that. 36,000 men will he kept employed There are 8,327 men now engaged on farm land, and almut 1000 on drainage works, in different parts of the country. UNEMPLOYMENT BOARD. WELLINGTON June 18. The Unemployment Board will adjourn for a we-k as from to-morrow, following i'pon tile settlement of the question °f Providing work tor the men emtoyed under the No. 5 Scheme; until Parliament votes more money for relief purposes. The cfvi’.mitments already made l>v Die Board will absorb the greater part " the- j t . r pr.>'ired to carry H e scheme ro. until Parliament meets.