"DEPLORABLE."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 223, 20 September 1929, Page 3

"DEPLORABLE."

UNEMPLOYMENT BUREAU.

CITY'S WOBKLESS COMPLAIN.

DEMONSTRATIONS ARRANGED,

"Deplorable" was the description given the facilities placed at the disposal of Auckland's army of workless at the Labour Department's unemployment bureau in Customs Street, when over 100 unemployed men gathered at the Trades Hall this morning after marching up Queen Street. A resolution was carried drawing the attention of the Government to the conditions- existing at the bureau, and urging that the facilities for engaging men be amended. It was complained bitterly by speakers that some men appeared to be favoured and received more work than others. It was considered that calls for positions should be made at one appointed time each day, and that work should be given on the roster system. It was determined by the meeting that continued demonstrations should be held to bring the seriousness of the unemployment situation in Auckland under the notice of the public. It was agreed that a procession, commencing at the unemployment bureau at 7.30 o'clock, be held this evening, and that a demonstration be staged in front of the Maritime Buildings in Quay Street, on Sunday night between seven and nine o'clock. Messrs. R. J. C. Groves, W. J. Baker, W. Molloy, J. O'Carroll, W. P. Fennell and W. Ward were appointed speakers. An Unemployment Relief Committee was formed and the following officers elected:—President, Mr. J. Baker; vicepresident, Mr. R. J. C. Groves; secretary, Mr. W. J. Molloy; assistant secretary, Mr. T. Wood, and committee, Messrs. A. Lawson, G. Dix, W. F. Miller, J. Braeewell, T. Wood and W. Ward. The meeting was addressed by various speakers, including Mr. E. J. Phelan, a member of the City Council and Transport Board, and Mr. F. Bartram, of the City Council, who spoke of the misconception that existed concerning the unemployment situation in Auckland. '"'There are ten times more unemployed than are in this room," declared one spokesman. "We want to be careful not to make our processions fiascos, but we should not be afraid to bring our poverty to the surface." Mr. Phelan spoke of the efforts that had been made to have all Transport Board work carried out under the daylabour system, and said that when the rails for the tramway extensions arrived more men would be engaged by the board under those conditions.

Mr. Mollov said that he had been told that 300 men had been engaged at the Town Hall the other day, his informant stating that he saw the men marching up the street. Actually the men were making a demonstration for work. "We want banners for our processions and not go along like bushrangers," suggested a voice. It was stated that efforts would be made to identify the procession.

A further resolution was carried con gratulating Mr. M. J. Savage, M.P.. or

the stand he had made in connection with unemployment insurance, and expressing the hope that the Labour party would do its utmost to see that legislation promoting the scheme was brought down this session of Parliament.