UNEMPLOYED WOMEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 268, 12 November 1935, Page 14

UNEMPLOYED WOMEN.

PROBLEM NOT ACUTE.

MINISTER'S REPLY TO CRITICISM. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. The Hon. S. G. Smith, Minister of Employment, in an address at New Plymouth, made a reply to the common allegation by Labour candidates and others that the Unemployment Board has done little to assist women and girls who were unemployed, in spite of the fact that large sums were received from women by taxation. The last annual report of the board, said the Minister, showed that it _ had maintained its policy of subsidising local women's unemployment committees through a central women's advisory committee in Wellington. For the ye-ir ended 1934-35 its expenditure on these subsidies amounted to £10,487. The local committees in the four centres .vnd six other cities and towns rendered fine voluntary service in providing training, occupation and relief assistance. More committees would be established if the need should arise. The board's experience showed that unemployment among women and girls was not really acute except in the main centres, Mr. Smith continued. The registrations in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin last March totalled only 329. Of the women and girls registered, 131 were under 21 years of age. Critics admitted in a vague way that something probably had been done, but they did not take the trouble to find out the facts. Complaint was made that some of the reports by the women's advisory committee to the board had not been made public, but the board realised, if some critics did not, that women and girls in distress were strongly adverse to having their plight made public property. For that reason the board had entrusted this side of its work entirely to experienced women, who were doing the necessary work quietly and effectively. Where training centres existed women and girls were taught suitable occupations and received weekly cash allowances, tram fares, free meals and some clothing. If they could be helped to find positions by a subsidy on wages it was given. Lodging allowances were made to those without homes or friende. In towns without training centres applicants were helped with room rent, food, clothing and cash allowances.