TO RELIEVE UNEMPLOYED

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1051, 15 August 1930, Page 10

TO RELIEVE UNEMPLOYED

MODERNISING BUILDING SOCIETY FORMED PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE The formation of an organisation under the title of the “Modernising of Buildings Promotion Society, for the Relief of Unemployment (Incorporated). was decided upon at a meeting of representatives ot all interested in the building trade, held in the Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon. Mr. R. Aickin presided over a large attendance. Tho objects of the society are to relieve unemployment by promoting the modernising of out-of-date dwellings and other buildings. The committee set up to evolve a scheme of operation commented upon the wonderful scope that Auckland presented for vigorous activity along tho lines of home and building modernisation. It was evident that the time was ripe for the launching of a scheme which would dispel the existing inertia and encourage propertyowners to modernise their buildings, particularly as it appeared that prices for all classes of building material had now reached rock-bottom.

The establishment of a central bureau in connection with the society was recommended by the committee, which suggested that the chief officer should be a fully qualified architect at, say, £4OO a year. The duties of this officer would be to interview inquirers, ascertaining the amounts which they desired to expend, and the chief objects they desired to attain in any suggested alterations to their premises, lie could also ascertain the state of existing mortgages upon the property, thus enabling some estimate to be made of the possibilities of rearranging first mortgages to cover the cost of alterations. Every client should bo at all times to put the work in the hands of a member of the Architects’ Institute. To provide for the initial costs, and those of operating the central office for six months, the committee considered that £I,OOO should be raised by subscriptions from various building trade organisations. “THE FEAR COMPLEX'* “At this time, when we are suffering economic depression, we are getting the fear complex, but we must realise that Auckland has been going on for 70 years, and will go on for another 70, and that the present conditions are only temporary," commented Mr. G. W. Hutchison, in supporting the movement. He referred to the class of people who, in periods of stress like the present, c losed up like shellfish so far as spending was concerned. These people, who owed their all to Auckland, should at least come forward and offer their moral support, he stated. Mr. Hutchison proceeded to criticise the precept of economy as preached by the Prime Minister, and periodically by the chairman of the Bank of New Zealand. Ho considered these views were wrong. Who could economise? Not the man out of work. People who had money must be encouraged to circulate it in legitimate channels at this time. Dealing with the policy of financial institutions, Mr. Hutchison said that when times were good they would lend 66 2-3 per cent., but when conditions were tight only 60 per cent., and at present only 50 per cent. He considered this policy was wrong, and suggested that these institutions should not allow more than 50 per cent, when times were good, and allow up to 66 2-3 per cent, in bad periods, thus showing confidence in the city. Anything that would help the workless was worth while exploiting. CARPENTERS’ SUPPORT Mr. T. Bloodworth said that the Carpenters’ Union desired the scheme to be proceeded with. “This economy stuff is ruining tho whole show,’* he said, 4 and there is no greater extravagance than economy to excess.” He stated that three years ago the Carpenters’ Union had attempted a similar scheme, but did not have the facilities. “The movement is going to benefit the city,” stated Mr. Albert Spencer. 110 added that economy in the right direction was required, particularly in tho buying of foreign goods. “We want a lot of confidence in the city, to sweep away the cobwebs and realise that the depression is only a passing phase.” Mr. Laidlaw was of the opinion that the plan should be in operation within a month. COMMUNITY EFFORT “This is a community effort, and the architects warmly endorse the scheme, and will support it in every way pos-’ sible,” declared Mr. J. Park. in the interests of the success of the scheme it was essential that there should be an officer at the central bureau who would give reliable and authoritative advice to the public.

Tho following were appointed a provisional committee; Messrs. R. Aickin, xl. U. Bnckell, C. F. Bennett, G W Hutchison, J. Park. W. A. Phillips! Albert Spencer, T. Bloodworth, R. A. Laidlaw, A. C. A. Sexton, A. J .Hutchinson, and K. A. Cornish.