POSITION AT AUCKLAND

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 17 January 1931, Page 7

POSITION AT AUCKLAND

SOME PLAIN TALK (By Telegraph—Pres* Association) AUCKLAND, 15th January. Hopes that the Auckland City Council might be able to do something to relieve the present acute position of the unemployed were dashed this morning, when the Mayor 1 (Mr G. Baildon) told a deputation that it was impossible for the council to find work, as there was no money available, and the only possibility of assisting was by the Loans Board granting a loan the council was asking for. The procession of unemployed to the Town Hall was the biggest yet held in Auckland, consisting of about 800 men and one woman. The speakers stressed the serious position of the thousands of unemployed and the need of some immediate relief. Work was-asked for, but the speakers said that as the Government had failed in its duty to provide that work, the men were now asking for sufficient sustenance.

One speaker said the time had arrived when the men would do anything to get sustenance. The Mayor: “Is that a threat?” “No, it is not a threat, but the men are not going to starve. The law doesn’t allow men to commit suicide.” Another member of the deputation said the position of the men attending the Labour bureau morning after morning to be told there was nothing doing was little short of disgraceful. In replv, the Mayor congratulated the men on the way they had brought thentroubles before him. They had the full sympathy of the City Council, but the council had gone as far as it could, and had to keep within the limits. The Mayor said he was very disappointed with the work on main highways, and he thought the Main Highways Bpard should be approached and asked to push on with the work. “I think the proper 'course for you to take,” said the Mayor, “is to approach the members of Parliament. They make the laws. Get the whole of them together and have a conference. You can tell them your position, and* see if they cannot do something for you. I am willing to do anything I can to help, but the council at present has no money at all to spend on relief works.” / ... One member of the deputation said that they knew as much, no more, than when they came in, but he thanked the Mayor for the patient hearing he had accorded the delegates. GETTING DESPERATE

“What am I to tell the thousand men outside?” hie asked. “Those men are getting desperate, and I am expected to go out and tell them what?—that there is nothing, and that the council can do nothing.”, ... ; “I am. sorry,” said the Mayor, but I have explained the position; we have no money to spend.” i The deputation then- withdrew, and the line of men outside were asked to fall iH and march to the Trades Hall, where they would be told what had transpired in the Mayor’s office. At the Trades Hall there_ was some fairly plain talk indulged in, the inactivity of the Government being severely criticised. . Mr W. Parry, Labour M.P., and Mr J. Purtell addressed the gathering, and a resolution was passed calling upon Parliament to hold a special session immediately and provide, some measure by which the unemployed would be given work or allotted sustenance.