UNEMPLOYMENT CAMPS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 13, 7 September 1931, Page 3

UNEMPLOYMENT CAMPS

IN ROTORUA DISTRICT UNDERSTOOD DEVELOPMENT WORK INTENDED NEAR ROTORUA PREPARATIONS IN TRAIN Following the announcement by the Minister of Labour (the Hon. S. G. Smith) 'that over 20 of the unemployed camps which are being formed in connection with the Une'mployment Board's scheme for rural development, have already been seleeted, it was learned by the "Post" on Saturdhy that preparations are in train for setting up several of these camps in the neighbourhood of Rotorua. No definite announcement can at present he made regarding the size and location of the camps, but it is understood that arrangements are being made to place a number of single men on developmental roading work in the vicinity of Lake Rotoma. It is also learned that 150 men could. be absorbed within a period of six weeks and employed upon similar roading work in the Rotorua district. So far as can be ascertained, none of the first 1000 men drafted under the new sch'eme will be brought to the Rotorua district, as it is proposed to keep the first camps nearer the main centres. There are, however, large areas in the Rotorua district which could suitably be developed under the new seheme and it is expected that a eonsiderable extension of developmental work in this district will follow upon the establishment of the scheme and the setting up of further works camps for .the development of rural areas. According to the Minister's statement, the^camps are each to provide accommodation for from 25 to 80 men. Plain food and simple tent accommodation is to be provided and the ri/m will be paid according .to results, or on the contract system. Each man would be provided with pocket money averaging about 10/per week, but this would vary slightly according to the working ability of the men. Work was to be under-taken-on roading to prepare undeveloped areas for sub-dfvision, and later upon actual development work an the sections themselves.