WORK FOR ALL

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 913, 5 March 1930, Page 11

WORK FOR ALL

DEVELOP INDUSTRIES, SAYS M.P. MR. FLETCHER’S PROPOSALS The possibilities for the developof manufacturing industries in New Zealand, as a cure for unemployment, were emphasised by Mr. J. S. Fletcher, M.P. for Grey Lynn, in an address to his constituents in the Grey Lynn Cinema laet evening. Advertised announcement that the member would offer something constructive to tackle the problem of the workless, attracted about 400 people. A section of Labour supporters maintained a running fire of good-humoured interjections,, chiefly on Mr. Fletcher’s virtual defection from the United Party, under whose banner he was elected.

The chairman, Mr. W. J. McMillan, had little difficulty in keeping order. Mr. Fletcher himself was in fighting mood, and rarely paused for a word. In response to a charge of ‘‘ratting,’* the member said, amid prolonged applause, that if the electors of Grey Lynn wanted a party hack, then he 'vus not their man "Can you remember a blacker outlook for the workers of this country V” "Jr- Fletcher challenged, and added: J hat is why 1 am here tonight to rouse you up.” A Voice: Put Joey out. What was wrong with the country, the member continued, was that men wero in charge who would not get on \\ ith the job. “What we want is courage,” he said. “We have the resources, the climate, but where is our courage?” A Booming Voice: Gone to Samoa. "That is one of my quarrels with the I have pleaded with trie party, but to* no purpose,” Mr. Fletcher said, with warmth. CURES FOR UNEMPLOYMENT Coming to his cures for unemployment. the speaker reiterated faith in his reading scheme, “which the Prime Minister said could not be done.” Last year the revenue of the Main Highways Board was £1,668,701. What he suggested was that the difference between £ 1,000,000 and the total amount equal to £668.701 should be utilised to provide interest and sinking fund for a loan of £6,000,000, the raising of which would be spread over three years and be repayable in 10 years. This would have given, with the £3,000,000 revenue in the three years. £9,000,000 altogether to be spent on main and subsidiary highways. It would have found employment for at least -3.000 men. His statement had been held up to ridicule, but it was significant that 5,000 men had been placed on various works in five weeks, although some of the jobs were ill-advised and hasty. He could never understand why a work which had been put into operation in five weeks had been held back for 3 0 months. There was no difficulty in raising money, provided that interest was assured.

An Elector: That’s what Sir Joseph thought. Mr. Fletcher: When his promise of £70,000,000 was made, it was for general purposes. Continuing, the member claimed that his scheme had the great merit that not an extra penny of taxation would bo necessary, and at the same time rural communities would be relieved of rating burdens by the elimination of dual construction works by the Highways Board and local bodies. Instead of the City of Auckland having to find £44,000 annually in charitable relief, the sum would be halved. The United Party’s failure to put into operation a comprehensive land settlement scheme was criticised by Mr. Fletcher. “If I were Prime Minister I would deliver an ultimatum to the Minister of Lands that within six months he must put 1,000 men on tc the land, clearing it and breaking it in for farming, or hand me liis resignation,” said Mr. Fletcher. "The back of the unemployment problem would then be solved. The trouble is that there is lacking in the Minister of Lands the will to put in hand any scheme of value.” Voice from the Back: Don’t use Labour’s policy. Proceeding, Mr. Fletcher said that after the first six months 3,000 more men could be put on during the fellowing year. For every man given a home on the land two would find work in the city. An Interjector: Wonderful! The Speaker: Yes, wonderful, but 1 possible. Instead of making these witty remarks, why don’t you get behind and push. This policy is being thwarted by the Minister of Lands and a group which is satisfied.to stay in the rut. PROPORTION MUST INCREASE “It is undoubtedly in the development of manufacturing industries that we are going to find the biggest amount of employment for our young people.” said Mr. Fletcher. “Today in New Zealand there are at least twothirds of the people engaged in the industries apart from the agricultural and pastoral ones. This means that the big proportion of our population is therefore employed in transportation and in manufacturing industries. This proportion must increase.” He did not believe that the tariff should be exploited to increase employment. as was being done in Australia. He thought a system of high tariffs economically unsound. It, however, enables industry to survive, though often on unsound lines. But the tariff could be used effectively. He suggested putting 25 per cent, extra on American cars. The gesture would show America that we were ready vo treat that nation as it treated New Zealand over produce imports. Mr. Fletcher advocated further a 10 per cent, extra on all motor-car chassis. Body-building here would be encouraged. giving work for 2,000 more men. Voice: That’s what Labour says. Mr. Fletcher: They’re not all wrong. Continuing on industry, the speaker outlined the possibilities of the rationalisation of the woollen industry tD obviate wasteful competition and 1o increase production. He also dealt with the field of iron and steel manufacture. New Zealand should explore opportunities for the making of benzine and oils from brown coal, thereby saving £3,000,000 a year and creating employment. , , At question time Mr. Fletcher stated his policy on Samoa. Me felt a crime was being committed there and wou.d support Labour in a policy of peace and conciliation. ~ _ . lie had opposed the restoration o. Civil Service salary cuts m loyalty to Sir Joseph Ward, whose integrity am. lofty purpose he did not question. Mr. Fletcher said, however, that he had endeavoured to have the lowest paid men given an increase to conform .o the Arbitration Court scale. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to Mr. Fletcher.