AVOIDING UNEMPLOYMENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 947, 14 April 1930, Page 1

AVOIDING UNEMPLOYMENT

Minister Says It Is Possible LABOUR TROUBLES ADVANCED A DEFINITE statement that unemployment can be eliminated from the affairs of New Zealand was made by the Minister of Labour, the Hon. W. A. Veitch, in reply to a deputation of 22 Auckland trades unions which placed complaints and labour problems before the Minister this morning.

Mr. Veitch bs.sed his statement on the development; which could be made in the Dominion’s industries.

Complaints against the administration of the Labour Department in Auckland, allegations of dismissals of apprentices before their contracts were fulfilled, and opinions that unemployment in Auckland would be worse than ever this winter were placed before Mr. Veitclu He assured the deputation that, an earnest inquiry would be made into the subjects advanced and also mentioned beneficial measures contemplated in the future. Introducing the deputation, Mr. M. 3. Savage, M.P. for Auckland West, explained that 22 unions were affiliated with the Trades and Labour Council, which brought the deputation. Serious complaints were being made against the administration of the Labour Department in Auckland, where breaches of award were submitted to the office for correction. The treatment of these breaches was either too long or the cases were no-t dealt with. It was impossible for the unions to take civil action over th breaches and dissatisfaction was general. The administration of the previous Government had left a great deal to be desired, but Mr. Savage failed to see that the new Government had made an improvement. Documentary evidence to support the complaints would be submitted to Mr. Veitch.

There had undoubtedly been tremendous charges for charitable work on the hospital boards aud the Auckland board had achieved great service. It was not the case that the Government was allowing banks to impose on the people; only in the last few days had the Government known the proposal of the banks concerning increased rates of exchange, and careful consideration would he given. Because of the huge sums spent on unemployed, a higher rate of interest had been offered by the Government several months ago. The Government was doing its best in the conditions for employees on public works, more of which were in hand than actually were necessary.

A comprehensive measure to allow a substantial sum for relief each year was proposed; this winter he was sure the Government would make over to relief whatever sums were available. Mr. Veitch was definitely of opinion that unemployment could be eliminated, with correct attention to industrial development. He mentioned one instance where the Government was aiding industry—in the carbonisation of New Zealand coal. New Zealand wanted its coal consumption 100 per cent. New Zealand, Mr. Veitch said, and it was sheer nonsense to say unemployment was a permanent feature of the industrial position.

A complaint against the questioning of employees by an inspector in the presence of the employers was made by Mr. R. F. Barter, secretary of the Amalgamated Engineers' Union. A complaint made on February 14 concerning the non-payment of wages by a firm was still in abeyance. TREATMENT AT BUREAU Mr. Barter entered an objection to treatment at the Labour Bureau. Several engineers, he said, had been told to go to the Otahuhu workshops for positions. On arrival, they were informed that no employment was available for them, and. iti addition, were asked by whom they were sent. The administration of the Apprentices Act was .criticised by Mr. J. Clark, secretary to the Plumbers’ Union. He alleged that apprentices had been dismissed before the terms of their apprenticeship were completed. It was difficult for these apprentices to find fresh employment as the employers mostly preferred firstyear apprentices. As far as he was aware, no employer had been prosecuted for failure to complete their contracts with apprentices. "There should be a penalty for such employers.” the speaker maintained. "N'o boy should be taken into a trade while others, who have no redress, are not able to find fresh work following their dismissal. The unions are not able to bring actions; such a procedure rests with Barents and guardians, who frequently are poor, or the department. 1 suggest that the Act should be amended to allow unions to take action.”

WORK FOR 200 MEN ROADWORKS IN PROVINCE Two hundred unemployed of Auckland ar© to be selected from the names on the L«abour Department’s register for road works in the province. Advice received by the Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Labour, who is malting his first Ministerial visit to the 'City, states that the works concerned are:—Mangatawhiri - Tatarimu, 25 men; Ngaruawahia-Waingaro Springs main highway to Pukemiro railway station road, 25; Whangapoua-Coro-mandel, 75; Taumarunui-Taupo, 25; Lichfield-Atiamuri main highway, 25; and Klondyke, 25. The arrangements were discussed before the Minister left Wellington.

Mr. E. J. Phelan, representing timber workers, blamed the Government for inactivity. Unemployment, Mr. Phelan said, was more serious than ever. Several local body works in Auckland would shortly end, and men would be thrown on the labour market. Many unemployed were losing hope and he suggested compulsory enrolment of the workless as the only way to determine their number.

TIMBER DEVELOPMENT Mr. Phelan contended that much could be done in one direction alone—in the timber trade. Even with the prohibition of the importation of timber under the size of 9 x 3, he was satisfied that thousands of men could be employed In New Zealand in a few months. The same condition applied to imported sashes and doors. Mr. W. J. Jordan, M.P. for Manukau, wanted to know the policy contemplated by the Government. He refer'ed to the Labour Bureau as a comedy, and said many unemployed in Auckand were abandoning hope. Was there anything better, he asked, than the ending of men in hatches of 25 to ‘‘live m tents, work in slush, and send their TJT,*® mone y insufficient to meet rent- **•” crisis undoubtedly had been peached and the price of money was a Tactor hindering development. Mr. H. G. R. Mason, M.P. for Auckland Suburbs, and Mr. H. Campbell, ■or the Painters’ Union, spoke, and Mr. isavage, who welcomed Mr. Veitch on aw first Ministerial visit to Auckland, jy’ ew ' attention to the heavy cost of . charitable work attached to hospital boards. The Auckland Hospital “°ard had already exceeded its estimate by £S,OOO.

t . * lr - Veitch assured the deputation mat a full inquiry would be nade into me complaints against the Labour Department administration. He had yet n hear the other side of the question, mit the administration of the department certainly would be fair. He had [•ratted a Bill on apprenticeship laws Prior to last session of Parliament, nt he had not been thoroughly satisis with it. He would inquire into me position and the complaints Turner, with a view to obtaining amended aws next session. A clause was being '•rafted to secure protection for apprentices whose employers became bankrupt aud he would consider proaction for apprentices concerned in '••smissals similar to those alleged. He w as not certain about allowing unions Power to take action, although it might be possible to give apprenticeship committees such authority*