UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 2 August 1929, Page 6

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

CHANGES WANTED To cure unemployment some far-reach-ing changes in our economic conditions must be brought about, and 1 have already outlined the Uovenuncnt's proposals in this connection. In the meantime, recognising the urgency of the need of many ot our unfortunate citizens, the Government, on assuming office, gave their immediate attention to the question of unemployment relief. ■ The passed during the first short session of the new Parliament increased some ot the votes granted in the last Appropriation Act in order that additional relief works could be put in hand "without delay. At . the sam e time authority was obtained for the payment of £IOO,OOO additional subsidies to local authorities for relief works in the cities Wnd towns. Instructions were also issued to the (various labour-employing Departments, such ns the Puuiic Works, Tost mci Telegraph, and Forestry, to provide work for as many men as possible, and 1 am pleased to say that thqse efforts have dune much to relieve the position. Although it meant considerable increase in the cost to the State, the Government had no hesitation in increasing the standard rates of pay for relief workers from 9s and 12s per day to 14s per day. The lower rates fixed by the last Administration were considered to be inadequate under presentday conditions, and I feel sure that it is not the wish of the taxpayers that the troubles of these people, on whom: lias fallen the .brunt of our economicmisfortunes, should be increased by nig-, gardly rates of pay on relief works put: in hand by the State. The : special re-j lief works are mostly on roads, high-' ways, and forestry. The expenditure last year on. such works totalled £729,034, in addition to, which there remained commitments as at the 31st March bast amounting Jo £45,223. Subsidies |o local authorities paid over amounted to £68,567, and at the end of the year there were also commitments amounting to £36,794. The total cost to the State of unemployment relief last year was thus £879,618, which is an indication of the Government's efforts to assist in alleviating distress through unemployment. '/ The local authorities, particularly in the cities, are also alive to their responsibilities in the matter, and during last year unemployment loans amounting to £102,533 were sanctioned by the Local Government Loans Board.