UNEMPLOYMENT REMEDY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 906, 25 February 1930, Page 1

UNEMPLOYMENT REMEDY

Special Committee’s Report

PERMANENT FUND SCHEME

Contributions From All

Press Association. WELLINGTON, Today. THE second and final report of the special committee which was appointed by the Government to investigate the problem of unemployment was released for publication today by the Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Labour.

The report is a voluminous document which, shows that the members of the committee hare gone very deeply into the subject as it applies particularly to the conditions in New Zealand.

The setting up of a permanent Employment Board is suggested. Numerous recommendations are made as to its functions.

The most valuable section of the report proposes the institution of a permanent Employment and Sustenance Fund, contributed to annually by all persons over 18 years of age, as well as by companies, local bodies, etc., and providing the board with a sum of £700,000 annually, out of which to make sustenance payments.

Otherwise the board will have power to make arrangements for placing unemployed workers in jobs. The functions of the board are outlined broadly and generally, and the committee points out that much must be left to the board to decide as experience is gained. The view is taken that it is everybody’s duty to assist in overcoming the evil of unemployment and that it therefore devolves on everyone to contribute toward its relief. "Apart from seasonal unemployment,” says the report, " it Is clear that what may be called our normal industriay system is not fully absorbing all the available labour, and that this incapacity of industry to absorb labour has been more evident in the last five years than during and previous period. In this respect, New' Zealand Is suffering in common with all other civilised countries. Moreover, as stated in our first report, we are convinced that unemployment arising from changes of methods, and the increased use of labour-saving machinery, is continuing. The problem is inevitably bound up with the development and progress of our civilisation. "Complete solution of the problem of unemployment would be a natural development of industries, sufficient to provide work for all who are willing to work and capable of working It may not be possible quickly to bring about this perfect solution, and in the meantime some measures of artificial aid must be provided. "Nevertheless, the ideal solution should never be lost sight of, and every measure taken should be designed to bring nearer its ultimate attainment.”