UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE SOUTH

Wairarapa Age, 8 February 1927, Page 5

UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE SOUTH

A DUNEDIN DEPUTATION. STATEMENT BY ACTINGUREMIEB DUNEDIN, February f. A deputation, from the Otago Trades and’ Labour Council approached the Acti'ng-Prime Minister (the Hon. W. D. Stewart) to-day in regard to the unemployment, which at present exists in Dunedin. Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P, who introduced’ the deputation, explained that it was the outcome of a resolution passed by the local Trades and Labour Council emphasising the necessity of bringing before the Government the amount of unemployment which existed. What must have -impressed, the Government was the fact that such an amount of unemployment was extraordinary at this period of the year. They would have to go back many years before they could point to a similar position, and naturally those most vitally concerned were anxious as to what would happen. Another mattef for the Government to consider was whether it was not bringing immigrants to New Zealand at a greater rate than the country could absorb.

Mr. J. Robinson, secretary of the Council, asked that the Government should undertake certain works, and made reference to the large number of immigrants coming into the country. It was pointed out that 152 men were at present out of work, 88 of whom were married, and 64 single.

Sir Charles Statham and Mr. J. Horn M.P, also urged that public works should be undertaken.

Mr G. H. Lightfoot, officer in charge of the Labour Department, said he had circularised 1500 farmers, but had met with a poor response The Minister, in reply, said that when other countries were considered, the percentage of unemployed was small. He and his colleagues had cabled the Prime Minister when ho reached London asking him to stop immigration for four or live months. Mr. Coates would probably reply on his return to the Dominion. It seemed to him that the more help was provided, the more constant would become the problem.— (P.A.).