STATE FARMS AND INDUSTRIAL SETTLEMENTS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10053, 3 June 1898, Page 6

STATE FARMS AND INDUSTRIAL SETTLEMENTS.

The Conference convened by the Progrea* sive Liberal Association, with the object <A formulating proposals foi. the initiation of State farms and industrial the object primarily jf giving work to the ' unemployed, has drawn up its report. The Conference was unanimously of opinion that any scheme to be effective must embody the following principles. —(1) That as the matter is urgent the Government shall be to take means with as little delay as possible to set apart blocks of land for farm and in* dustrial settlements; (2) that the whole scheme shall be initiated and carried but under State control; (3) that able-bodied and efficient persons shall receive the current rate of wages; (4) that all persons who apply for work shall be found employment; (5) . that in order to do this all employees shall be divided into grades, each grade carrying a different rate of pay, and provision made for j teaching the unskilled and for light employment for those past the prime of life; (6) that as it is impossible to employ the same amount of labour regularly all the year round at farm or agricultural work, other industries should be undertaken so that employment could be found at all times; (7) all stores and other requisites to be supplied by the State to its workers at a small margin above actual cost; (8) house rent to be charged on the capital cost of buildings and maintenance of same; (9) the scheme should eventually become self-supporting.