MEN WHO REFUSE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 230, 29 September 1931, Page 10

MEN WHO REFUSE.

COUNTRY RELIEF CAMPS.

EXCLUSION FROM OTHER WORK-

DECISION AT PAPAKURA.

The policy the local unemployment committee should adopt in regard to single men who refused to accept camp work when it is offered them was settled at a meeting of the Papakura Town Board last evening. The question arose following a request from the Public Works Department for five men for a job at Bombay. It was reported that when five men had been drawn by ballot three had point-blank refused to accept and the other two were arranging for work under Scheme No. 4A.

The chairman, Mr. H. L. Thornton, pointed out that it was the intention of the Government to eaße the single men off No. 5 Scheme and get them on to the land as far as possible, for the benefit of the married men. When asked for his opinion, the local certifying officer had said he had instructions to drop all men who refused to do camp work.

The clerk said the local member of the Auckland Hospital Board, the Rev. W. C. Wor d, had advised him that the Hospital Board proposed to refuse relief to ail single men who would not take camp work. Mr. D. Weir said he thought Bome discretion should be exercised. "We know perfectly well." he said, " that some men are unfit to do camp work." He proposed, " That certified able-bodied men who refuse to volunteer for camp work be excluded from relief under No. 5 Scheme." Mr. J. Andrew seconded. Mr. H. E. McEntise said there was a principle involved. He considered all British subjects were free to refuse to go to a job. The proposal wafc most un-Britieh, to say the least. "It is a pity, however," he Baid, " that, these young fellows here have not more manhood about them, and have not sense enough to try to help the countrty in these times rather than hinder it."

The motion was carried, Mr. McEntee dissenting.