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Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1931, Page 4

Under the unemployment schemes m force, it would appear more might be done by the farmers and settlers generally to relieve the position. The general condition of the grazing lands in Westland suggests that there is plenty of scope for clearing and cleaning up many large areas,, and more use might be made of the available labour under the farmers’ relief schemes. The Hon. Mr Coates has appealed for all help possible, and those co-operating in respect to the matter here mentioned, would be helping themselves also. There is the need for more production, likewise, and it would be to the settlers advantage to see bis foraging area extended and room for more stock. Tt is apparent that the position will he lighter in the new year. There are indications that the Government out of sheer necessity will be reducing staffs, and with the business rush disposed of employees generally will b? shortening hands. More men (and women) will he seeking work, and as already the Unemployment Fund i.s not equal to the strain upon it, the •stringency will grow more intense. The more men who can he attracted to farming occupations and production the Letter for the country at large. A very Favourable scheme or schemes have been adopted to encourage the farmer to utilise more labour and enhance the production. of his holding, and it would be well to see more use made of these avenues ...for employment. The money required for this class of expenditure does .not affect the weekly allowance for casual work, so that more ready help would be free for those who eoulcl not be placed on the

land. It is different with the funds for the assistance of goldmining. In tiiat case the subsidy is a charge against the weekly allocation for the district, and more men are taking advantage of it. With the tightening of tne funds for casual work, it is more and more imperative Tor those disposed to seek employment on farms. No doubt many farmers could be induced to take men following a personal interview so that good relations could bo established at the outset, and those with a desire to get permanent work on the land would be well advised to approach likely farmers with a view to engagement.