LOCAL RELIEF WORK.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5288, 18 June 1928, Page 2

LOCAL RELIEF WORK.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —We are again requested to dopate to the above-named object. That the national anti serious question of unemployment, with its poverty, distress, and semi-starvation, should be left in the hands of local bodies a.nd private individuals for, solution,, jis a damning indictment 'of the -capability and ability of our statesmen in the face of a crisis. However, being human, we must accept the load thrown on our shoulders. While shirking the solution the Government, however, Insists opt certain conditions in connection with, our efforts. We must pay the relief ra,te of wages—l2s and 9s a day. Allowing the loss of. one day a Week, this means the princely sum of £3 to a, married man for the support of himself a.pd family, perhaps besides the- payment of debts to his tradespeople during his prior term of unemployment. Surely we must admit that standard wages at least are required by every married man if he is to do his family justice-. This-, opinion is- finding favour in otoer places, as evidenced by the fact that the cities of Chri's.tchurch and Nelson are carrying out alii their relief works pt standard rates of wages with satisfactory results. That the Borough Council and citizens of Paeroa will, rise to the occasion and play the game fairly with the unfortunate victims of an erratic economic system is nry earnest wish. DAVE LEACH.