A PLEASANT SURPRISE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 260, 2 November 1928, Page 8

A PLEASANT SURPRISE.

SUPPORT FOR MR. SPEIRS.

REFORM'S MUDDLING POLICY.

An agreeable surprise awaited Mr. R. B. Speire, United candidate for Auckland West, at the conclusion of hie address in the Franklin Road Methodiet Hall last night, when an audience of about 100 accorded him a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence. Mr. H. O'Brien woe in the ctha-ir.

Speaking of unemployment, the candidate eaid there were no progressive works being carried on in New Zealand at the present time, although the unemployed were simply crying out for work. All that the Government could do to relieve the strain in the city and prevent men from going around the streets with "work wanted" placards, was to organise working bees. This was a wasteful, extravagant system. The United party, if given the chance, would replace it with a 'businesslike policy Of intensive land settlement, and would complete the authorised long lines of railway, thereby permanently relieving unemployment.

Mr. Speira deplored the fact that people had been lured to New Zealand from the Old Land under tho fake impression that this was a country where there was work and plenty for all. They almost expected the streets to be paved with gold.. As a result of Government propaganda, the subtle impression had been conveyed that £7 10/ a week was the average wage of a working man. At a time when thousands were being invited to come to New Zealand, the city missioner, Rev. Jasper Calder, had opened his soup kitchen in 'Auckland. The United party would ihave no more assisted immigrants till all the unemployed had been absorbed. When the depression had been dissipated by Sir Joseph Ward'e scheme, workers could 'be accepted for certain sections of industry and commerce, flbut no promiscuous immigrants would be allowed to come in.