THE UNEMPLOYED.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18968, 5 April 1927, Page 9

THE UNEMPLOYED.

RIVER BANK SCHEME. REQUEST FOR SUPPORT. Soliciting support for the scheme of river bank improvement as relief work for the unemployed, Mr E. L. Hills, one of the leaders of the latter, last evening waited on members of the Connoil of the- Chamber of Commerce <is a deputation. Sir Francis Boys, who occupied the chair, said the Council would do all in its power to assist the unemployed, and they would bo glad to hear if there was anything fresh to lay before the Chamber. Mr Hills said ho had a?krd have to address the Chamber, in order to lay before it Mr R. B, Owen's scheme for river bank improvement. He referred to the problem of unemployment, and stated that the Government 's scheme of relief had not been taken up very whole-heartedly. Mr Owen proposed to pay the award rate of wag 3. Last year the public had been of the opinion that the 15s 4d was not being earned. This year only mon who could earn the money would be engaged, and those who would not or could not earn their wages would be immediately discharged. "This winter wo are not going to allow any load-swinging," said Mr Hills. Thus the scheme should-re-ceive great public support. It had been the opinion of tho unemployed last winter that tho relief work would last only a week or two, and they might as well make tho most of it. There was a fear prevalent that men would be exploiting tho scheme, and obtaining work under false pretences. A Chance for Everybody. This wintor evory man would be given a chance under Mr Owen's scheme, irrespective of what had happened last year. The genuine unem-. ployed would give of their very best. Naturally the labourers on 12s per day were dissatisfied; they did not take, the broad view, and generally did more like 6s worth of work. If they were paid the award rates, it gave them fresh vigour. Fifteen or twenty ' per cent, of the unemployed were not genuine, and this winter they were going to be weeded out. "I came here to solicit your support for Mr Owen's appeal," concluded Mr Hills. The chairman assured the speaker that the request put forward would'receive consideration. He had no doubt that Mr Hills represented the more reasonable section of the unemployed. After a discussion in committee, the following resolution was carried: "That the Chamber inform the Mayor of the deputation, and suggest that .he should convene a mooting to establish a citt- • zens' committee to decide as to the best course of action. The Chamber assures the Mayor and Council- of its sincere support." It was decided to ask Mr A. L. Wilkinsaa to represent the Chamber; in the event of his inability to accept the position, the president to arrange „ for a representative. INTERIM COMMITTBB. The Interim Unemployment Committee, under Mr 8.-B. Owen's'scheme for tree-planting and shrub planting, will be set up in & day or two. It is not intended to takq the plaee of the Citizens' Committee, and it will deal only with work for the unemployed until that committee begins to> inaction. , Speaking at the meeting of unemployed, in Victoria square yesterday,, Mr E. L. Hills remarked that * minority of those who took work on the river banks last year only did two shillings worth of work a day. This winter every man of the genuine unemployed would be pledged to earn every penny of his wages. Now that there was some sort of organisation amongst the unemployed, Mr Hillß said, the citizens who subscribed funds would be guaranteed that - they would got a fair and »asonable return. *