GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE ROAD NEAR SHANNON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 4009, 12 October 1929, Page 1

GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE ROAD NEAR SHANNON.

RESULT iOF UNEiMfPLOYMENI RELIEF SCHEME. *

One result of the Government’s scheme for the relief of unemployment will be a speeding-up of highway construction in the Hovowhedun, iCounty. 'To what extent this will eventually operate is not at present known, but it is certain that a large gang will be set to work •shortly on the main road just to the south of Shannon (says the Levin Chronicle). The Public Works Department is talking in band a section of a mile and a-half I for ire-constructive work. This I does not necessarily mean that the j Government will carry operations I to the point of ibitumenising, hut it I will at any rate undertake formation and widening on this length, which is in rather urgent need of attention. A survey was carried out some time ago by-the County Council, and, before the end of this week officers of the Department will be on the scene to locate the pegs. They hope to start the construction work on Monday, and it is probable that ejyontually about thirty men will be employed on this section. The employees will consist niainly of imcii who have registered at Wellington and Palmerston North as unemployed. 'The primary object of the authorities in taking over this portion of highway' work is to help to absorb surplus labour, and possibly at a later date the scheme may be extended in this County.'

Within the immediate district, unemployment has not been-so noticeable lately as during the winter. From Saturday last until midday to-day, under the new systeffi of relief brought- in by the Prime Minister, only eight applications for registration for employment had been received -at the Levin post office.