HELPING THE WORKERS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 77, 20 August 1914, Page 2

HELPING THE WORKERS.

COMMITTEE SKf UP. Tie matter of devising ways and Means to relieve the unemployment caused by the war -was discussed at a meeting which was held in the Town Hall, New Plymouth, yesterday, and attended by the Mayor (Mr. J. E. Wilson), in the ohair, J. F. Arnold (Inspector of Factories), C. lord (secretary of the Laborers' Union), G. Pascoe (secretary of the Carpenters' Union), W. F. Brooking (president) and Mr. Hal Goodacre (representing the Employers' Association). A circular from Mr. F. W. Rowley, Secretary for.Labor, suggested the formation of a committee (consisting of representatives of the employers and workers) to endeavor to find suitable employment for applicant workers. It referred to the desirability of connecting up the various committees throughout the ~>ominion, so that in any case" where local employment was not immediately available for any applicant, or where any employer's requirements were not adequately met .locally, a copy of the application form could be distribut- i ed to the committees in the other towns, thereby securing the employment of the worker desired by the applicant. It was desired to assist all classes of workers—whether clerical or manual. Particular attention would be given to those cases where temporary vacancies had Tieen caused by workers having Joined j the expeditionary force, as in a number of such cases it would be possible to find employment for a time for applicant workers. j Mr. J. F. Arnold, the local inspector, { said the intention was to form committes in each centre to work with the inspectors. Employers and employees could then communicate through the inspector I to the committee, and in this way the difficulty of unemployment would be | solved. It was apparent that some workers weald be out of work, whilst owing to their men going to the war lome employers would be left in straits. He did not think the matter would affect New Plymouth to any great extent, i out it was quite possible that it would arise in a small way. During the period from July 20 to August W there -*~ woen uiii'v - W0 am> '' eants f° r . wor k at New Plymouth, and both had oeen' placed. On Tuesday (August 18) there had been six applications, whilst up till noon that day there had been three. This was an indication that the difficulty might increase. The Premier had announced that possibly the existing awards would be cancelled for the time •being. Mt. C. Ford mentioned that he had six more applications for work. His Worship said that as most of those who had applied here were strangers to the town, it seemed to indicate that men were coming here in hope of work. Possibly this was caused by the belief that the tramways were soon to be started here, hut it was definite now that the tramway work could not be commenced until the beginning of next year at leasts The contractors, Messrs Greenshields, had been unahle to get the ship away with the rails, so that there would lie no outlet for labor on this score amtil after Christmas; how long after lie could not say. It appeared, however, that there wouid he a large amount of labor wanted bv the farmers. Some of the men from the country had joined the contingents, and as it was pretty clear that with the trade route open the farmer would still continue to produce, a certain amount of labor could be so placed. The president of the Agricultural Society (Mr. S: S. Connett) had notified that the Society would give every assistance it could in the direction of lessening unemployment. He moved that a committee ■be set up as suggested by the Department, The following were accordingly elected to the committee, with the Mayor and Mr. Arnold:—Messrs Goodacrc, Brooking, Connett, Ford and Pascoe. ft was decided to notify employers and employees wanting labor to apply to the committee through the Labor •gent.