MARRIED MEN FOR CAMP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 257, 31 October 1933, Page 12

MARRIED MEN FOR CAMP.

ONEHUNGA COUNCIL PROTESTS The Onehunga Borough Council decided last night to offer a strong protest against the action of the Unemployment Board in sending married men into camp, especially those with young children. Mr. S. Vella, in moving to that effect, said the council should take a definite stand. If the men Were to receive a better wage he would not object. The Mayor, Mr. E. Morton, said Mr. Slaughter wanted to know what reinforcements wore available to send into the country to eradicate ragwort and other noxious weeds. He (the Mayor) considered that there were plenty of men already in the country for that work. He objected to able-bodied men being sent to camp, leaving less eflieient men to the local bodies. He believed in helping the farmers. It would be a good thing for all concerned if the Government would divide some of the big estates and settle married men on them at a living wage, with the prospect of carving out their own homes. After other members had spoken in favour of the motion it was adopted. The council resolved to support the request of the Farmers' Union that the Mayor be asked to convene a meeting of all bodies concerned in the unemployment question. A largo meeting , was held in the Forestere' Theatre. Onehunga, last night to protest against the camp policy. A resolution was carried protesting against all men, married or single, 'being eent to camp and urging that all camps for single men be broken up and the men sent to their homes. Another resolution called on the Farmers' Union to' request its member* to refuse to employ relief workers in eradicating ragwort. A deputation was appointed to ask the Borough Council to suspend the operation by which men, married or single were eent to camps. Protest at Glen Eden. A meeting was held in the Glen Eden Public Hall yesterday afternoon to protest against the drafting of married men into relief camps. Mr. G. Chatt presided. Mr. A. J. l'outley, who represented the Town Board, said he objected to the compuleory drafting of married men into camp, and said if they paid sufficient wages they would get all the men they Avanted voluntarily. He also eaid the board was in a position to employ all the men locally. A letter was read from the Rev. Vincent Le Bine.t, in which he associated himself with the protest. Mr. Stanley, of Mount Albert, and Mr. H. A. Douglas, representing the business section, addressed the meeting. A report of the recent deputation of the Town Board to Mr. Slaughter was given by Mr. P. C. Dorn, who stated they had not received much satisfaction. A resolution was carried unanimously demanding the abolition of all compulsory camps, and the employment of men in their own districts at standard rates of pay.