PAPATOETOE AFFAIRS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 186, 8 August 1930, Page 5

PAPATOETOE AFFAIRS.

WELFARE LEAGUE ACTIVITIES

OBJECTION TO POLL TAX,

Criticism of the Government's proposals for the relief of unemployment was expressed at the meeting of the Papatoetoe Welfare League last evening. The president, Mr. S. J. E. -Closely, presided. The league objected to the poll tax on the grounds that the cost of collection would be excessive, that it would tend to reduce the response to charitable appeals, that the burden of relief would not be equitably distributed, and that the scheme excluded women. It was decided to send the league's views to Mr. A. W. Hall, M.P. for the district, for submission to the Government. In expressing its views the league stated that currency conditions were the principal causes of unemployment. With the object of assisting local unemployed the league decided to act in the capacity of a voluntary employment i organisation. Group Settlement. Regarding a scheme for group settlement on small holdings which had previously been before the league, the president said that a settlement of 30 to 50 families, on a block of about 100 acres, should be practicable, if essential services were provided. There were in Papatoetoe, Mangere and Tamaki numerout areas suitable for a development on this plan, in the same way as settlements in the Lower Hutt. ■ The meeting decided to prepare a report upon suitable blocks adjacent to the industrial area of Otahuhu_and Penrose, and to seek the co-operation of the heads of large firms whose employment is of a seasonal nature. Banking Facilities. Tho Bank of New Zealand, in reply to a request from the league, stated that the banking facilities at Papatoetoe were adequate for the present time; but it was decided, in view of the fact that 70 residents had their banking accounts in the city, to urge these to transfer their accounts to the local branch and make a strong plea for an improvement. With the progress of subdivisions in the district the league considered permission should be sought from the Government to sell the numerous small areas set aside as reserves; and it was decided to urge the Papatoetoe Town Board to make representations to the Government, suggesting the advantage of applying tlu money received from the sale of these areas in reducing the loans for recreation reserves. The president stated that the league was conferring with the Onehunga Chamber of Commerce to secure co-opera-tion in the regional planning of the south suburban area from a traffic viewpoint.