THE UNEMPLOYED.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1931, Page 1

THE UNEMPLOYED.

(To the Editor; Sir,— As lam a returned soldier with a wife and family, 1 would like, through the columns of your valua j e paper, to express my opinion oi those in control of the Forcsty Department, and -Main Highways. As we all know that things are very had. The Honourable J. G. Coates, asked for a meet. i„ g of all local bodies, to conier a s to which is the best means to alleviate the unemployment. 1 hud that married men with families, have been discharged from the Foresty Department, ilium, and the HaT Creek Nursery for over three weeks. Dozens of these men, being o„ the unemployed list, find out that two men,, one ot these men being a single man, started work on the Kanieri Bridge the Billowing dav after working for the Forestry Department, at « Hifghci- rate of wages per day 1 am led to beliese these two men have been employed by the Government Department concerned, while others had to fill m unemployment forms, and did not receive any consideration. One married man with live of a family, had applied for work on this bridge three weeks before these men were engaged. The unexpected happened. They finished one night on the Forestry Department, and commenced work with the Highway Department on the next day. No fourteen days for them. I wonl'di like to know wliat red tape or influence is brought to bear for such things to happen. Also, in conclusion, I would like to point out to ratepayers and to the public that are paying taxes (and the dole), that single men are still employed in preference to married men with dependents. Hoping that some abler pen than mine will take this matter up. I am etc. — RETURNED SOLDIER. Hokitika. Oct. 31, 1931.