SHANNON UNEMPLOYED.

Shannon News, 6 July 1928, Page 3

SHANNON UNEMPLOYED.

MEETINGS HELD. On Tuesday afternoon fifty unemployed Shannon residents, many of whom have been out of employment since 23rd March last, Avhen the flaxmills closed, Avaited on His Worship the Mayor (Mr E. Butt) at the Council Chambers and asked that something be done to relieve the situation, as the date of reopening the flaxmills Avas uncertain.. The Mayor was sympathetic tOAvards the men. He pointed out to them that the Council’s revenue was so small that their resources were limited, apd ; to undertake any Avork that would give relief to the unemployed, would necessitate the raising of a loan which would thus be placing a burden upon the payers, many of Avhom were • among the unemployed. He assured them that he would do all he could to alleviate the situation and he Avould get in communication Avith the member for the district and place the position before him. . ••

A suggestion, was made that it ay as an opportune time to link up the road from Buckley to Koputaroa, it being contended that this Avork would solve the problem a lot. , . The Toavu Clerk, who was : present, pointed out that work of an immediate nature was required. This'road was a matter for the Horowhenua County. Council to deal Avith. and even if they decided to go on Avith the worU, it would be a'.long time before sr commencement could be made as certain' formalities had to be gone through. A resolution was carried, “That the member for the district be Avritten to asking him to visit Shannon immediately and discuss the situation with the men Avith a vieAV to finding immediate employment.” ‘ After the meeting the Town Clerk dispatched the folloAving telegram to Mr Linklater: “Fifty local unemployed since 23rd March Avaited on the Mayor this afternoon. Meeting resolved to ask you to visit Shannon immediately and discuss situation Avith, a view to finding employment. What is position regarding Buckley Drainage Board subsidy. Please reply if you can come.”

A reply Avas received from Mi; Linklater on Wednesday morning that he would be pleased to meet the unemployed on'Monday, and, in the meantime; he AA T as going into the mater and promised to communicate further in the course of a day or two. The list at the Town Clerk’s office numbers 54 married men and 15 single men, but it is estimated the real number out of work is in the vicinity of 100. * ■

At another meeting on Wednesday afternoon a committee Avas set up consisting of Messrs R. DoAvnes,. E. Porter, A. Birehall, R. Terry, L. Richardson, T. Yeale and F. Whibley, Avho will meet on Saturday to formulate suggestions to place before Mr Linklater, with a vieAv to getting certain local works carried out.