RELIEF WORK IN THE COUNTRY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 115, 18 May 1933, Page 6

RELIEF WORK IN THE COUNTRY.

In a scheme which appears to be a considerable improvement on existing arrangements, the Minister of Employment holds out hope of profitable work for a considerable number of men on country roads. The good points of the scheme are that the men would be doing useful work and would be aware of it—an important matter in keeping ■up morale; that that would be provided with living quarters better than tents; and that they would be paid a wage which, after deducting the cost of food, should leave them with a substantial sum over. There have been many complaints about the inadequacy of camp accommodation, and we have insisted from the beginning on the importance of this aspect of the whole problem. It is only common humanity to see that relief workers in camp are decently housed, and there is the material aspect that men well treated will work better and be more contented. Tents can be made comfortable for sleeping, but in every camp there should be a wooden dining and, recreation room, properly warmed, and facilities for drying clothes. It may be a Aveakness in the scheme that the Minister does not guarantee the rate of £3 a week, but only says that the men will be able to earn it. It has frequently been complained that at the present piece-rate for navvying many men cannot earn what is promised. However, the scheme is an advance, and it is to be hoped it will be tried and developed. It may lead to a complete scheduling of necessary public works throughout the country, and their construction spread 9vrv a lengthy period.