NORTHCOTE RELIEF WORKERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 217, 13 September 1932, Page 5

NORTHCOTE RELIEF WORKERS

MOVE FOR BETTER CONDITIONS,

The provision of one day's work per week for unemployed ratepayers is being sought from the borough council by the Northcoto Unemployed Association, in order that they may give the equivalent in work for the amount owing for rates. A meeting of the association was held last night. A request is to be made to the borough council for the same conditions as obtain on the relief works undertaken by the Auckland City Council. A letter read stated that the men employed thereon are permitted to make up time lost through sickness or other legitimate cause, and as a consequence of wet weather, while adequate shelter is provided as near as possible to the work. Leaders of recognised organisations are also allowed to address the men on the job during the luncheon adjournment. The Northcote Central Relief Committee made the proposal that members subscribe 3d per week to run the depot. The cost of keeping the depot going was £5 per month. A member complained that out of 121 local relief workers, the attendance at that meeting totalled 32. "If the depot was closed for a week, that would wake up the Northcote unemployed," declared another member. Mr. D. E. La Roche intimated intention to vacate the office of president, being no longer engaged on No. 5 scheme, but he and Mr. F. Honan, secretary pro tern, agreed to continue these duties for a fortnight. The resignation from the executive of Mr. K. P. Bowden was accepted. Consideration is to be given at next meeting to confining membership to unemployed workmen. The membership includes three honorary members at present.