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Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1931, Page 4

Tne proposal to set up unemployment camps for the. benefit of single men out of work, is one effort on the part of the new Unemployment Board to cope with a still growing problem. There is still a shortage of funds for unemployment, and each week the available money for the respective districts is contracting. Last week it is understood some eight single men in the County had to be put off, because of the curtailed amount for expenditure. In the centres tile number stood down each week is abnormal, and cases of actual want are arising. The step now being taken should he helpful in th e case of those in need. There will he accommodation and food provided, and instead of intermittent work of six days within the four weeks, there will be regular daily work; though the remuneration outside the keep supplied is not going to be large. For such a system, _of course, it is not intended to make it attractive. At the best it is a- haven for those who are unable to find employment and are put in the way of living comfortably. Another 'advantage is that with constntt work, better results and returns will h e forthcoming for the country. No doubt as the scheme is established, work other than in connection with the roads will he put in hand. The clearing and improving of lands should also he possible, and the scheme might be extended to assist settlers adjacent to the camps, in the wav of clearing more land and assisting to bring it into profit. The life should he a healthy one for tlm young men, and they should readily adapt themselves to the new conditions. It is understood the scheme will he under the direction of the Public Works Dennrtmmt which has the stuff to exercise proper supervision. and can direct the workers in regard to most useful occupations. The Department has many-huts about the district and these can be concentrated where necessary for the aecor*mrdation of the workers. roe scheme is under wav it should work satisfactorily and will he an assurance to those unemployed that they are not to be nesleeted. On that account the proposal bears hope .of being a uspful success.