UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 185, 6 August 1932, Page 16

UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM.

INCAPABLE OF PRESENT SOLUTION ? LEYS INSTITUTE DEBATE. "That the employment problem in New Zealand is not capable of present solutioh" was the subject of debate at a meeting of the Leys Institute Literary and Debating Union, held in the Leys Institute on Thursday evening. Mr. J. G.> Kennerley, the chairman, introduced the speakers, Messrs. M. M. Fiynu, J. M. Tait,- members of Forensic Club (affirmative) and Messrs. J. Allum, F. W. Castle (Leys), negative. Mr. Tait stressed the dependence of New Zealand on conditions abroad. Not only were the primary industries extremely sensitive to outeide conditions, but the standard of living, or prosperity, was in ratio of value of exports to imports. M . Flynn, in a comprehensive survey of currency problems and land development,.stated that since farming was not a payable proposition to-day, there was no justification for the furtherance of the new farm scheme. Mr. J. Allum contended that an- internal solution was practicable. There was need for drastic remedios—reductions in interest charges on overseas debt and sinking funds, and revaluation of land, rente and rates. The difficulty was mainly one not of production, but of the cost of production. Mr. Castle asserted that some .measure of State control was required to secure a managed economic system. The speaker was of the opinion that four cardinal factors were involved, namely, land, labour, capital and the "will to bring these agents together. A spirited'discussion followed the debate. Reference was made to the necessity of a reserve army of labour under existing conditions. Prominent writers were quoted to show- that national cooperation and scientific co-ordination had solved the employment problem in Russia. Contributions to the debate were by Mrs. M. B. Soljak, Miss King and Messrs. M. Tangay, A. I. Clarke and K. L. Slyfield. On a vote being taken the affirmative team were declared the winners. Arrangements were finalised in connection with the Athenaeum Cup debate, Marists Old Boys' Club versus Leys Debating Union. The teams will be: Messrs. W. Dowd, M. K. Joseph, and M. M. Flynn (Marists' team), and Messrs. F. W. Castle, G. G. Grant and K. L. Slyfield (Leys). The subject of the debate, which will be held in the Leys Institute next Thursday, will be "That the solution of our economic difficulties lies in a Communistic organisation of society."