THE UNEMPLOYED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 138, 24 March 1939, Page 5

THE UNEMPLOYED

ABSORPTION INTO INDUSTRY. CHANGE !N FINANCING. ' i. PROBELM FOR THE GOVERNMENT (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, March 23. r “At the end of this month the employment promotion fund comes to an end, and it§ passing virtually marks the end of what might be described as a temporary phase in the promotion of employment and the building up of the purchasing power of the people,’! said the Minister for Labour (the Hon. P. p. Webb) in an interview. “Now all efforts* must bo directed to- expanding industry, and getting men hitherto employed on subsidised jobs with local bodies and others transferred .into selfsupporting employment, augmenting ’ the production of our primary and secondary industries.” '■>/. ' Mr Webb intimated that for some time past the Labour Department had been in discussion with New Zealand manufacturers and others with a view fo arranging a mutually - acceptable plan under which suitable male adults might be trained and enabled to take their full place in the field of industry and commerce. “A . further meeting is to- be held in the next few days, and it is hoped that all the parties concerned will; bring to that meeting a spirit of co-operation and the will to solve this difficult problem, thereby advancing the real interests of all concerned,” said Mr Webb. “With the switching of the special revenues hitherto earmarked for employment promotion to the Social Security: Fund, any funds required for subsidising employment will have to be. provided from, general taxation, and it-is, clear that the amount that can be made available during the next fin- ; aheial year will be much less than was . : available for the current year. ■ “Scheme 13 served its purpose, and with' the drive now being undertaken to get men into industry, the scheme nnist be closed down as quickly . as . other employment can be found for the men concerned. Where necessary, the Labour: Department will discuss with . local bodies and others arrangements for tho temporary continuation of the scheme beyond March 31. A review of works in hand previously approved is being undertaken, and employing authorities will be communicated with concerning these works as soon as possible. Pending such communication, employing authorities may continue operations on approved works beyond March 31.”