Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1931, Page 4

Tiie Government has made gallant efforts to cope with unemployment, but still the number grows, and as a consequence funds are inadequate to go round, with the result that in the larger centres where the unemployed congregate, many have to stand down, and wait till funds accrue. This is specially the case with single men, many of whom are not able to be put on relief work. The effect of the recent change in the composition of the Unemployed Board is not manifest yet. It has never been explained why the personnel of the Board was changed at the time of stringency in the funds. The late Board made every effort to cope with the problem, but its efforts were restricted by laqk of funds..,. Actually the late Board went out of office with an overdraft of £250,000. -The. new Board inherited this liability alid its hands were equally tied. Money must be coming iu freely now from the wages tax, and for that reason the position shouldbe easier, The new Board should bo heard from soon as to its projected policy to grapple with the labour situation. There is a suggestion that special provision is to be made for the employment of out of work single men but on top, of that, the Minister for Labour and Unemployment forecasts more difficult times ahead. Doubtless an outcome of the present Parliamentary enquiry into the finances, more economies will be enforced, and the Railway Board will probably overhaul the constructional expenditure. Any stoppages in that direction will create unemployment, though it may be proposed to utilise the money saved on more promising propositions. But in any case, the period of stringency will probably remain, and it would he wise for all concerned to utilise their resources to the best advantage in, the meantime. Fortunately we are approaching the seasonal period when more private employment will be possible, but this will be temporary only, for the next year will have its difficulties. The prospects call for a serious view of the general situation affecting future employment.