RELIEF CAMPS.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20333, 4 September 1931, Page 16

RELIEF CAMPS.

PROVISION FOR 1000 MEN. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELECTION ISSUED. (paass ASSOCIATION TILEGKAM.) I WELLINGTON, September 3. The unemployment relief camps were the subject of a statement by the Hon. S. G. Smith in the House of Representatives to-night. Mr Smith said that just over 20 camps had already been selected. The size of the camps would range from 25 to SO men each, and sufficient camps were being selected to for tho 1000 men arranged for with the Main Highways Board. .The men would be selected mainly from the cities and larger centres in the first place, and instructions as to selection were being issued to the centres, concerned immediately. It was hoped somo camps would begin operations next week. The men would be provided with plain food, simple tent accommodation, and a certain amount of pocket money, which would average approximately 10s per man per week, very similar to the basis on which Scheme No. 4a is now operated. Payment, however, would be on tjie basis of effort. Some might receive a little more than -JOs, while others might not earn quite so much as that amount. The tents would have to be' shared, probably two in a tent. Developmental Work. Tlie' Minister added tliat', in tho event of the camps being operated successfully, it was hoped that developmental work on land might also bo undertaken along similar lines. Indeed, one large block in North Auckland, which would bo cut up into 27 sections, had already been selected for an experiment in this way, and a camp would be established there within a few days. The workers in that camp would be utilised pare the necessary access roads to the subdivisions and would continue developmental work oj the sections themselves should that be'found practicable. Some of the workers would, no doubt, if they so desired, have an opportunity of' participating in tho ballot for selection, when the stage actual settlement had,been reached.