UNEMPLOYMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 4029, 2 June 1931, Page 62

UNEMPLOYMENT.

PROVISION OF RELIEF WORK ADDITIONAL SCHEMES OUTLINED. AUCKLAND, May 26. In outlining various schemes for providing additional work in the winter, the Minister of Labour (Mr S. G. Smith) at Otahuhu, mentioned new forestry, land, loading, and rebuilding activities, and the encouragement of the use of New Zealandmade goods. Regarding the last, he said that every effort would be made to induce a wider use of those articles that could be made at a price at which the public would not be exploited in comparison with the charge for the imported article. It was calculated that if there was a_ 10 per cent, increase in the purchase of New Zealand goods work would be provided for 2000 additional men and women. After a conference in Wellington shortly every woman would be asked to help in the movement. Mr. Smith also said that he had no proposal to submit to Parliament to increase the unemployment levy. The Minister denied the rumour that the Government’s £BOOO subsidy for herdtesting would not be available. He announced that the immigration of girl immigrants had been absolutely stopped. NEED FOR FURTHER FUNDS A NATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY. STRATFORD, May 26. The Borough Council passed the following resolution: —“That this council, noting the statement of the Minister that while £715.984 had been spent on relief by 7 the Unemployment Board to the end of April, the levy had produced only £306,069, and while sympathetic to the request of the Government to local bodies to do as much as possible for the relief of those in distress, considers that the burden of any increased outlay should not be placed on the shoulders of the local ratepayers, but be borne nationally, either by an increase in the levy or from the Consolidated Fund.” FARMERS’ RELIEF SCHEME ACTION OF LABOUR COUNCILLORS. CHRISTCHURCH, May 27. Strongly condemning the proposal of the Labour majority on the Christchurch City Council to rescind the resolution by which the standard relief wage was reduced from 15s 4d a day, and pointing out that the sympathies of the country people would thereby be, alienated, representatives of the Canterbury A. and P. Association and the Canterbury Sheepowners’ branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union decided not to proceed with the scheme for the collection of produce in the country to relieve distress among the unemployed. At a subsequent meeting the executive of the Farmers’ Union declined to ratify this decision fully and merely received the report of its representative at the conference. Although members attacked strongly the Labour proposals they were finally swayed by Mr W. W. Mulholland’s argument that the supply of relief for starving people was a matter of common humanity not to be determined by municipal politics “ We have been prepared to do our bit by sending produce to the depot,” said Mr J. R. Cullen, “ but there is going to be difficulty when the city raises wages and thus indirectly increases taxation and the farmers’ burden.”

Mr Mulholland said he thought that the executive should to some extent dissociate itself from the decision of the meeting. “I do not like to think that our help in supplying relief should be dependent on city politics,” said Mr Mulholland. “ Certainly I think that there will be a grave need for relief in spite of everything that is being done. While the moment for taking action is not just yet, when the need' is apparent, I think we should put the services of our organisation into the work. I think it is_ a huge mistake for us to take any notice whatsover of municipal politics.” “ The position is absolutely extraordinary,” said the president (Air Colin MTntosh). “The powers that be in the city do not realise the situation. We certainly want to help in the relief of distress, but when we find that the powers governing the city are trying to make the situation worse to further their own political ends I think we should look after ourselves in the country and let the city look after itself.”

“The attitude of the city is ridiculous,” said Mr R. G. Bishop. “The farmers are right up against it. Many of us cannot even find the money to pay our interest, and the ‘ City Fathers ’ go and do this sort of thing. They do not seem to want sympathy. At the same time it seems a shame that men should be starving while some farmers’ potatoes are rotting. “ No matter whether the Labour Party is in power, or Old Nick, or anyone else, it is a matter of common humanity to help starving people,” said Air Alulholland. “We are the only body’ who can properly’ organise the country, and I trust that if the need comes we shall do it again.” THE LATEST REGISTRATIONS WORK FOR 24,300 AIEN. WELLINGTON, Afay 30. For the week ended Afay 25 the unemployed registered throughout the Dominion numbered 40.507, compared with 30,553 for the previous week, an apparent increase of 9954. Returns supplied by the Alinister of Labour (Air S. G. Smith) show that although the new and renewed applications for work totalled 3379 during the week, 24,329 men qualified and were placed in work under the Unemployment Board’s No. 5 scheme, which means that the real increase for the week was 5385, leaving 16,179 men still unemployed. The registrations were as follows •. —

Excluding the men placed under the No. 5 scheme the position on May 25 was as follows:— Auckland 1128 Wellington .. .. .. 588 Christchurch 736 Dunedin 597 Invercargill 480 • Other parts 649 CONFERENCE OF LOCAL BODIES HOSPITAL BOARD’S POSITION. Called by the Otago Hospital Board, a meeting of local body representatives was held in the City Council Chamber on Thursday’ afternoon to consider the unemployment position and to discover, if possible, a concrete policy to put before the Government. Air W. E. S. Knight, chairman of the Hospital Board, presided over a large gathering. Air 11. B. Burdekin, deputy chairman -of the Unemployment Board, was also present. Following a long discussion. Air A. C. Cameron (president of the Chamber of Commerce) said he desired on behalf of the chamber to utter an emphatic protest against the way in which unemployment moneys were being spent at the present time. A lot of the work was of an entirely’ unproductive nature. The speaker had referred to the restrictions which were placed on the work on which the unemployed were being engaged. They were only organising work of a useless nature. Mr Burdekin: No, that’s wrong. Air Cameron said it was work at any rate which the country’ could not stand in its present economic condition. He would move: — That this conference is of opinion that there is grave lack of co-operation between the Unemployment Board and local bodies, and that unemployment funds are not being spent in a productive manner. In the opinion of this conference, the economic position is such that no wasteful expenditure should be countenanced, and work should not be done merely to keep men occupied. Air Cameron said it should be possible for any body to make a list which had to be undertaken sooner or later—the works to be put in the order in which they were to be carried out. The cost of the Deepstrcam deviation was estimated to be £6OOO. The most urgent works would be in operation first. Air Alichelle (Roxburgh) seconded the motion, saying that the country was not in an economic position to carry out works that were unproductive. In reply to Mrs Macdonald. he would point out that the timber for Otago fruit cases was not imported from Sweden, but from Canada. Of course, it came into the country, but it was an Empire product. Mr Batchelor moved an amendment—- “ That the trade union rate of wages he paid ” should be added to the motion, and this w is seconded by Air IV. Herbert. Mr Alirams (Port Chalmers Borough Council) said that both the motion and the amendment were out of order, as they had been called together to make suggestions in providing work. BIG WORKS SUGGESTED. Mr J. Loudon agreed with that point, and suggested that among the works that shuld be undertaken were the deviatin of the line round the Cliffs, making a tunnel through to Waitati, and the elimination of dangerous level crossings. That was work that could well be done. It would cost money, but the Government should be asked to do it. Referring to Airs Macdonald’s proposals regarding afforestation. . Air Loudon said that he knew a block of 600 acres near Dunedin which could be bought for £5 an acre. A lot of labour could be supplied for this kind of work. There would be no waste in any shape or form. Air. W. G. Kindley (Alanufacturers’ Association) said that many manufacturers were retaining men that they’ could ill afford to employ, simply to avoid increasing the unemployment, while heads of departments had reduced their own salaries considerably. If people only realised it they would save an enormous amount in taxes for the maintenance of the unemployed if they supported local industries.

Air Alirams suggested that the duplication of the Port Chalmers line should go forward.

Air A. H. Allen contended that they were getting away from the purpose for which the meeting was called. They were there to suggest some work which would give relief and give it quickly. He wished to ask Air Burdekin if some of the major schemes mentioned that day could possibly bo declared work under the board’s scheme, and whether, if the City Council, the Hospital Board, and other bodies interested were willing to go on with the work, and asked that the Leith protection works should come under the scheme, the Unemployment Board would be agreeable. They would then know they had something worth while to put in hand, be argued. It would then given the unemployed work in reach of their homes, and it would be far more economic in the long run. Air H. L. Paterson (Returned Soldiers’ Association), referring to Air Batchelor’s amendment, said that no man in New Zealand was earning to-day what he earned three years ago. As far as a 10 per cent, cut was concerned, every business man was probably having a 40 per cent. cut. They simply could not pay union wages. He supported Air Cameron’s motion, saying that in many unemployment works they were really stirring up a pretty bed for a nice crop of weeds next year. He failed to see how they were going to get on with the big works mentioned by Air Allen without the money. He thought Airs Alacdonald’s scheme of afforestation was a very valuable one. If the whole of Signal Hill, an eyesore to-day, were cleared and planted it would give the unemployed work and firewood. If they could get 50.000 acres they would be putting aside an asset that would be a very’ valuable

one both for the city and the whole community.

Air James Hogg said they were all anxious to see the unemployed engaged in productive work. He favoured the going on with the flood protection at the Leith. He thought the farmers should be assisted through the 4a scheme. The speaker stressed the value of buying New Zealand goods. By assisting the farmer and the manufacturer they could help the Government materially to solve the problem.

Air Al. Stevenson gave notice of his intention to move a further amendment.

Alt' Burdekin said he would like to speak on the question of co-operation, as referred to in Air Cameron’s motion, and said that there wds co-operation, laid down by definite rules. Local bodies were entirely the arbiters of the work to be put in hand. There had been many statements made that afternoon about nonproductive work under the No. 5 scheme. He would say, definitely that they were not correct. The board had received advice of a tremendous amount of work which was useful and productive. The principal job of the board was to find work for the men, but it looked to the local bodies as its agents. Air Burdekin said he must caution them against going in for works of magnitude, as they did not know whether the No. 5 scheme was to continue. He pointed out that if a body did desire to carry on such a work it had to send the board full particulars, and if the board considered the application reasonable it would be in a position to make a definite allocation. The No. 5 scheme might only operate for two or three more weeks, or two or three months, or two or three years—he could not say. THE BOARD’S EXPENDITURE.

Air Burdekin pointed out that they were receiving £24,000 a week from the levy, but they were spending £50,000 per week, and he asked them how long that could continue. Moreover, they were not finding work for the whole of the 39,000 unemployed He asked them to be reasonable in asking the board to find them more money. lie was not a prophet, but lie would say the solution was not a matter of months or years. It was a world wide problem, and the board was considering the position as it affected other countries as well as the position in New Zealand. Air Burdekin said that his board was doing its best to cooperate with the local bodies and he asked them to assist the board in every way possible.

Mr Cameron said he thought that the principle of putting the onus on the local bodies to do work not of the first importance was not right. The local bodies were not the arbiters of the work to be done, as the board imposed reservations before it macle its subsidy. The board had laid down a system, but if it were left to the local bodies to decide what work was to be done. Mr Burdekin: 1 am afraid you are misunderstanding the position. Mr Cameron said it was a misunderstanding that 99 out of every 100 people in Dunedin were under. Air T. Harridge said the Borough of West Harbour had been doing its best to assist the unemployed problem. Air Hogg said that after hearing Mr Burdekin he would suggest that the first clause of Air Cameron’s motion be deleted. Air Cameron agreed to alter the motion Mr Loudon: Withdraw it altogether. Mr Cameron said it was for the chairman to rule what should be done with the amendment and motion. He had never known a chairman who had let the business ramble along as their chairman bad.

Mr Batchelor’s amendment was then put and lost by an overwhelming majority.

Air Cameron said he would insist that hie motion should be put. Air Al. Stevenson moved as a further amendment that representatives of the local bodies should meet Air Burdekin and discuss the position further with him. in an endeavour to come to some concrete plan. He said that carrying out the work at the Leith would not fulfil the purpose of the Unemployment Act. Air James Begg rose to a point of order. He said that Air Stevenson’s amendment was»jiot an amendment to the motion. MOTION AMENDED. Air Cameron’s motion was then put. The motion, as amended, read as follows: — This meeting is of opinion that in many eases unemployment fuijds are not being spent in a productive manner. In the opinion of this conference the economic position is such that no wasteful expenditure should be countenanced, and work should not be done merely to keep men occupied. The motion was carried by 17 votes to

Air Cameron further moved:— In the opinion of this meeting all work to be done, whether the business of the borough, county, Alain Highways Board, or Government, should be classified, and the most urgent work put in progress first, using unemployed for this purpose, any adjustments in allocating the cost to be settled before or afterwards by a special board. Air Begg seconded the motion. He thought that some classification of the work was essential. They might then be able to carry’ out work which would prove of some use. To talk of productive work at the present time was a waste of time. Cr Shacklock said he thought the inotion was a rather risky one, because it was anticipating the expenditure of a large sum of money. As regarded the talk of borrowing money, where were they to borrow it? If they went on borrowing what did it mean? Al Begg: Ruin. Cr Shacklock said that by borrowing money from overseas they would simply have to increase their imports and further accentuate the evil. Air Alichelle maintained that scheme 4a would go a long way to bring men into work. He thought the scheme should be pushed on to a greater extent than it was. Air Burdekin said that the difficulty was to find the farmer, the tucker, the man, and pay him the wage named by the board. The board was, however, doing its best to get the men on the land. Mr Sheat (Waihemo County Council) said that there were many farmers who could not pay wages under the 4a scheme.

He had three sons, and he could not pay them a cent, and yet the board would not allow him to employ them under the scheme.

Air Cameron agreed, on the suggestion of the chairman, to withdraw all the words in his motion after the word “ purpose.” The motion was carried. After some discussion, Air Stevenson withdrew his amendment. On the motion of Air Cameron, seconded by Air Paterson, it was decided to forward the resolutions to the Prime Alinister and to the chairman of the Unemployment Board. THE POSITION IN DUNEDIN WORK FOR ALL ELIGIBLE AIEN. The position with respect to relief works for unemployed men in Dunedin is that work is being found for all eligible men. During the present week the following men will be employed:—Class A (single men), 823; class B (married men with a wife and up to two children), 726; class C (mar t ied men with a wife and three or more children), 221—a total of 1770. Those who have to stand, down for the week are class A, 216; class B, 240; class C, 76 —total, 532. In this way 2302 men are accounted for, approximately 60 more than during last week. There are still roughly 100 men registered who arc not yet eligible for work. Owing to the fact that Wednesday is the King's Birthday a holiday will be observed on that day, but to compensate for this a full day will be worked on Saturday.

With Dependents. Without Dependents. Auckland .. .. 2480 3066 Wellington .. 1403 2219 Christchurch .. 2836 1840 Dunedin .. 1292 1051 Invercargill .. 656 294