SINGLE MEN TO GO

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 706, 4 July 1929, Page 6

SINGLE MEN TO GO

TAKAPUNA RELIEF WORKS REDUCTION TO 50 MEN . Single men are not to be retained j on relief works in the Takapuna borj ough unless they are the sole support of a family, the Borough Council decided after a protracted debate on unemployment, last evening. The subject was introduced by a recommendation of the Works Committee that in future not more than 50 men should be employed at one time on relief works, and that equitable alternation of workers be arranged by the assistant engineer. It was reported that 120 men were at present employed, although at the inception of the works the engagement of not more than 60 was anticipated. Cr. J. W. Hayden moved that all single men be dispensed with unless they are the sole support of a familv. He said that, although the works had been in operation only three weeks, there was ample evidence that the money available was quite inadequate to cope with the present staff. In order to obtain the Government grant of £6,000, the council had to arrange for £9,000 from other sources. Application should be made through the member for Waitemata for a straightout £ for £ subsidy upon the total found by the borough. The motion was seconded by Cr. J. F. Colegrove.

In view of the Prime Minister’s injunction that preference must be given to married men with families, support for the motion was given by Crs. Guiniven, Wilkie and Algie. The Mayor, Mr. J. W. Williamson, stated that about 28 men would be affected under the motion. That would still leave 'about 90 married men, which was too many for the money available. “We certainly will have to do some keen financing to make the money go round,” he said. The motion was carried. The council further resolved to apply for an extended subsidy from the Government, as on present percentages it is Impossible to cope with the demand for relief work. It was also decided to review the credentials of all at present employed, as it was more than likely that some of the workers were unable to fulfill the three months’ residential conditions of the council.