THE UNEMPLOYED.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 141, 16 June 1926, Page 9

THE UNEMPLOYED.

A SLIGHT INCREASE. BETTER PROSPECTS ATTKAT), The official figures recorded by the Labour Department show that there are now 826 unemployed in the city, an increase of twelve on the figures of yesterday. There are 627 A class men and 185 B class men out of work. The large majority of men are prepared to take work wherever they can get it, al though some who are married are anxious to get employment in or near to the city. Since yesterday, work has been found for fifteen men on farms or labouring. There appears to be better prospects ahead as far as the city's unemployed are concerned, as various local bodies are now arranging to put works in hand and it is expfected that within the next few days a large number will be absorbed. TRAM EXTENSION SUGGESTED. The Mount Roskill Road Board was asked last night by the Mayor of Auckland (Mr. G. Baildon) to assist in finding means of employment to relieve the present acute position of the labour market. The chairman. (Mr. J. J. Preston), remarked that the board had put on several extra hands lately and were now employing 30 men on the roads. It was resolved to reply to that effect, and also to suggest that the Auckland City Council should proceed with the extension of the tram system in Mount Eden and Dominion Roads, as promised some time ago. This would employ about 400 men. A further suggestion by the chairman that the Minister of Finance be asked to sanction a loan of £5000 to enable the board to open a metal quarry and purchase a metal crushing plant, did not find favour with the board. A resolution moved by Mr. L. A. Tozer that the Minister be asked to sanction a loan of f 13,500 for concreting Dominion Road, plus £5000 for a quarry, etc., was not seconded. EX-SOLDIERS UNEMPLOYED. According to remarks passed at a meeting of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce there are 350 returned soldiers seeking work in this city. The secretary of the R.S.A. had written to the chamber asking for help and co-operation in finding employment for returned men. It was stated that the majority were only able to do light work or labour of a similar nature. Gardening and such like employment was mentioned. Should anyone wish to have his garden cleaned up, hedges clipped, lawns cut, etc., and not wish to pay 14/ a day to have this done he can employ a returned soldier through the association, and that body would subsidise to the extent of 50 per cent. This subsidy is paid by the trustees of the Poppy Day Fund. It wae contended that by this means the Returned Soldiers' Association were not only assisting men to get work but were making the funds last far longer than if free grants were made.