WORK BEFORE XMAS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 91, 8 December 1931, Page 5

WORK BEFORE XMAS

(Press Assn.-

MR. COATES' PROMISE UNEMPLOYMENT BOARD'S EFFORTS TO HELP WORKLESS STATEMENT TO DEPUTATION

-By Telegraph— Copyright.)

AUCKLAND, Monday. An indjcation of the measurp of assistance to be given the, unemr ployed in tiding them over the Christmas period will be. given immediately by the Rt. Hon. J. GGoates, Ministqr in Oharge of Unemployment. This promise was given by Mr. Coates when " replying in Auqkland to representations made. by a deputation of Auckland members of Parliament. Mr. M. J. Savage said the deputation was the outcpme of a meeting of members of Parliament with the unemployed on FrTday. The position was going from bad to worse particularly through the system of rationing. The main object of the deputation, said Mr. Savage, was to see what there was in view, in the first place to tide the men over the Ghristmas period, and in the second place to put them in permanent employment. Mr. Coates in reply first expressed his sincere appreciation of the spirit of co-operation shown by members of the deputation. "it is agreed," he said, "that the problem of unemployment is one that

should occupy our best attention, so that we Irnay render the greatest

measure of assistance to those who are up against it. The best brains of the world have been baffled in their attempts to find a solution of the problem, although I do not see that that is any reason why we should not attempt to handle it." Mr. Coates emphasised the difficulty in which he was placed and as to how far he was justified in pledging the funds of the Unemployment Board. It was most difficult to estimate the revenue upon which he eould rely. The estimate was placed at £50,000 a week, but actually the sum did not work out at that amount. "I hope to be able to see the Unemployment Board to-morrow and ascertain what extra amount will be available to meet the position before the New Year," said Mr. Coates. "This is not to say that this matter has not been given definite attention. It is recognised that two or more_ days:' a week, although in the .nature of assistance,, xa anything but satisfaetory. There are probably more than 12,000 men registered bnt who do not get anything. That will give you an idea of the magnitude of the problem. I hake not yet been able to go into the question of productive works although we are all agreed that such work is desirable." Mr. W. E. Parry: What about the arrangements for after the New Year? Mr. Coates: We have several industries under consideration, and I hope within the next fortnight to be able to give a correct estimate of the extra men they will be. able to absorb, both in the primary and secondary industries." "The problem of youth is a very serious one," ' added Mr. Coates. "Through being cut out of work a youth might take the. wrong turning for life. If the present position lasts it will be a greater problem than finding work for men who are registered. Mr. Savage repeated the offer for every 'assistance from the Labour Party, for which Mr. Coates expressed his appreciation, stating that he would communicate with the deputation almost immediately.