SHANNON’S UNEMPLOYED
* CONFER WITH MR. LINK LATER ALP.
Last week at a meeting of Shannon unemployed it was decided to ask the member for the district, Air J. Linklater, ALP., to visit Shannon to discuss the situation with a view to finding employment, On Alonday Air Linklater visited Shannon, when a deputation consisting of Afessrs Downes, D. Wouldes, T. A’eale, F. Whibley, L. Richardson and E. Porter, as representatives of those out of employment, met him at the Council Chambers.
The Alavor, in introducing the deputation to Air Linklater, said that unemployment was in a pretty bad way in ..Shannon. They had 106 names on the list, which was over ten per cent, of the population. The unemployed thought that if they could meet him and discuss suggestions he might he able to help them.
Air Downes said that at present those unemployed had no prospects ahead, and the position had now become desperate. The men were not looking for charitable aid; it was work they wanted. Some of them had been out of employment for the past four months. In three cases he knew of men who had bought homes in the good times had lost them through not being able to keep up their payments. Some of the men were getting desperate through having to see their fami* lies go hungry; and they would have to get relief of some sort. He impressed upon Air Linklater that the average man did not want charity, and it was a knock-back to some to mention it. It was work they wanted. ■ - Air Linklater said he regretted the occasion that has arisen. The position, he said, was a good deal the same in other parts of New Zealand, but in Shannon’s case the unfortunate position had been n£iccicd by (he losing of the ilaxmills.
Air Downes: The mills would only absorb one-third of the unemployed. Air Linklater stated that he had interviewed Air Seifert in reference to opening the flaxmills, the latter informing him that the mills cannot carry on under the present cost of production with hemp at £26 per ton, and with a further increase in freight at the end of the month of 15s per ton. Air Seifert said the mills would start at any time if the men would accept 14s per day and a reduction of 10 per cent, on contract rates. But they would not carry on under the present rates.
Air Downes: The millers want the employees to break the Arbitration Court’s award. If they break the award it will he a precedent. The award will expire in twelve months. Air Linklater: Anyhow they say they are c|iiite willing to meet the employees in conference.
Air Porter: The millers’ statement as made to Air Linklater is not what they pnt to the men. They asked the men to accept 13s 6d per day and reductions from 25 per cent, down on contract rates.
Mr Downes, addressing Mr Linklater: “You say Mr Seifert is prepared to meet the flax millers any time?” Speaking as one of the unemployed he asked, “Would the millers be prepared to hold a conference comprised of three millers’ representatives and three Union officials with an independent chairman and table their books.” If they will, and it is shown that the industry does not warrant the present wage being paid, I am prepared as one of the unemployed to advise the meji to accept the millers’ offer.” Mr Linklater: That is a reasonable proposition. Mr Wouldes pointed out that flaxmilling was only a seasonal occupation. As one of the best cutters could only average £3 15s per week per year, with rent to pay and a family to keep,, on the face of it he could not see how they could come down.
In conclusion, Mr Linklater promised to do all he could to ensure the suggestions made bringing relief and he would communicate with them in the course of a day or two. Mr Downes thanked Mr Linklater for meeting them, and expressed the hope that some good would result from the meeting.
Mr Linklater, in returning thanks, said that the Government had already placed 3,500 men on relief works in different parts of the Dominion. The unemployed problem, he said, was in existence throughout the world. He quoted figures showing the average per population as follows: —United States 1 to overv 75 persons, England 1 to 38, Australia 1 to 190, New Zealand 1 io 440. In conclusion he said thd 'Government of New Zealand were doing all they possibly could to solve the problem.
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3817, 12 July 1928, Page 3
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766SHANNON’S UNEMPLOYED Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3817, 12 July 1928, Page 3
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