EMPLOYMENT FOR SOLDIERS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16583, 24 July 1919, Page 7

EMPLOYMENT FOR SOLDIERS.

POSITION BECOMING "WORSE. Reporting to last night's meeting of the Repatriation Board, Mr C. H. Hewlett stated that sine© the last meeting of the Board, tho number of names on the applications for employment list had increased from 125 to 142. There had been €6 fresh applications, while 49 had been placed in employment, leaving an increase of 17. The holidays, Mr Hewlett remarked, might have affected tho position, but the fact remained that the numbers were increasing. In response to the wish of tho Board, ho had compiled a return showing the period that tho applicants had Deen out of work, which showed the following figures: Two men out of work for 18 weeks, 1 for 17 weeks, 4 for 11 weeks, 1 for 10 weeks, 1 for 9 weeks, 2 for 8 weeks, 5 for 7 weeks, 4 for 6 8 for o weeks. 25 for 4 weeks, 14 for 3 weeks, and 27 for 2 weeks. Mr Hewlett incidentally remarked that some of those who had been out of •work for a considerable period were men who wished to take up occupations different .from those of their pre-war days, or were otherwise difficult to place iu employment. Enquiries as to how many returned men would be willing, if accommodation were provided, to take up work at Otira tunnel had been made, Mr Hewlett continued, and 23 men had signified their willingness to do so, a statement which was received with approbation. It was decided to telegraph the information immediately to the Minister of Public AVorks.

Proceeding, Mr Hewlett said that it looked as though the unemployment would increase, and there was no further work on the Board's books. The Citizens' Transport Committee, by the establishment or its central office, hoped to carry on practically all business, which snould have a certain bearing on the unemployment question, though it mieht not bo felt for a week or two.

Mr D. Jones suggested that as so many men willing to take up work at Otira .had sent in their names during a holiday week, 50 or 60 might be expected within a week or two, and the Minister might bo communicated with" to that effect, with a view to his getting housing accommodation ready. Mr E. J. Howard remarked on the increase of unemployment generally, and stated that the position would become considerably worse when the freezing -works closcd down. Members agreed that the position would probably become worse during the next two or three months.

Members of the Board agreed that in face of the present position it would bo advisable for the Employment Officer to attend future meetings of tlie Board. Sir F. "VV. Hobbs suggested that the Domain Board and other local bodies might be urged to find returned men work, and might be subsidised for doHe moved: "That a conference of local bodies to consider the matter should bo called."

Mr Howard supported the motion, and added that local bodies should be urged _ to put any work they had on nand into oneration as quickly as possjule instead of waiting, as was usually the case, until the time that men were wnnted in the country. Mr Hewlett said that the time had come when the Government should be urged to commence all work possiblo. After some further discussion on various matters of employment, the motion was carried.