THE UNEMPLOYED

Southland Times, Issue 21091, 24 May 1930, Page 7

THE UNEMPLOYED

APPEAL TO MINISTERS DEPUTATION DISSATISFIED VOTE OF NO-CONFIDENCE CARRIED (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, May 23. With banners flying, a deputation of about 65 members of the unemployed workers’ organization marched through the streets of Wellington to-day and waited on Ministers of the Crown at Parliament Buildings. There they were met by the Hon. G. W. Forbes, Minister of Agriculture and Lands, the Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Labour and the Hon. E. A. Ransom, Minister of Public Works.

Six speakers placed the views of the men before the Ministers, urging provision of work for all and failing . that immediate relief for those in distress.

In reply, Mr. Forbes said that the Ministers had heard the deputation because they wanted to do their best for them. When they had said they were busy men, they meant that they did not want to listen to orations, but to simply have the facts placed before them. “I agree with the speakers who said that the Government was not able to solve the problem. This is a time of depression. When times are good there is plenty of money available, and work can be found for all, but when money is not available, we get unemployment. Every country in the world is experiencing this depression. There is no avoiding these cycles. When there is a drop of about £10,000,000 in the prices we receive for our products, there is bound to be less money about and consequent unemployment. However, we will do anything in our power to relieve the position. The Government has already provided relief works that have an economic value. It is suicidal putting men on works of no value, but the Government is endeavouring to push forward every work it can and hasten those in pt ogress. It is also subsidizing.local bodies and assisting them in everyway. At the present time we are preparing a programme for unemployment relief in the coming winter. The Government is investigating all classes of works such as roads and railways. These are works necessary for the development of the country.”

The Minister said that there was a certain obligation on the part of local bodies and private citizens as well as on the Government to do what they could for the unemployed. The Government could not do • everything. There was, to be a meeting of local bodies in Wellington next week for the purpose of seeing what provision could be made for the relief of distress and he hoped that there would be similar meetings in other centres. The Public Works Department had put 148 men on relief works since the last deputation and 150 more men as soon as possible. There would be 130 starting on Tuesday next. They had to provide accommodation for these men and tills was being done with all possible speed. From this point onward, the Minister was subject to constant interruption, Mr. Forbes only being able to get in a statement in between that funds had been given to Hospital Boards for the relieving of cases of distress. They could not expect the Government to do everything in this matter. It had delegated its powers to Hospital Boards. He would make representations to the Hospital Boards on this matter. A voice asked if anything could be done along lines suggested by Mr. R. McKeen, M.P., of providing employment on the construction of the carillon and other big works that were proposed. Mr. Forbes said that all posable works would be put under way. Mr. Griffen: “We have come here asking for immediate shelter, and as far as I can see you have given a satisfactory answer. I’ll ask the men if they are satisfied.” Voices: “No.” Mr. Griffen: “I wish to move a vote of no confidence in the Government and ask that they resign immediately. I will ask you to show your approval of this motion by shouting out loudly.” There was a loud chorus of “ayes.” Mr. Forbes: “I want to thank you for your vote, and I wish to aay that in spite of it, we will do cur best.”