THE UNEMPLOYED.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 October 1921, Page 5

THE UNEMPLOYED.

DECREASE IN BRITAIN. BIG RAILV.'AY WORKS. MILLIONS INVOLVED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Oct. 30, 5.5 p.m. London, Oct. 28. Dr. T. J. Macnamara, speaking at Kettering, stated the number of unemployed was now 1,750,000, compared with 2,170,000 in June. It is estimated there would be 1,500,000 unemployed throughout the winter. Railway electrification on a big scale, based on Government assistance for finding the necessary capital, is the topic of the hour in connection with unemployment. It is hoped the Government will guarantee interest for the schemes, wnic.il include £10,000,000 for the Great Eastern, £6,000,000 for Underground extensions, £5,000,000 for the South Eastern, and £5,000,000 for Indian railways. Other railways are preparing extensive schemes which will speed up the metropolitan railways 30 per cent., estimated to save every worker ten working days annually, which would otherwise be spent on railway trains.

The schemes will necessitate new rolling stock, thus creating employment in factories in North England and Scotland. About 60 per cent, of the outlay will go in labor, and 40 per cent, on raw materials.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.