UNEMPLOYMENT

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21320, 13 November 1934, Page 3

UNEMPLOYMENT

MEETING OF LOCAL COMMITTEE The greater part of the meeting yesterday of the Christchurch Unemployment Committee was devoted to listening to observations by Cr. J. W. Beanland on the unemployment position in England as contrasted with that in New Zealand. A deputation was expected from the Canterbury Unemployed Workers' Association, to discuss alleged abuses of the No. 5 scheme, but the members of the deputation did not put in an appearance. The meeting was attended by Crs. E. H. Andrews (chairman), J. W. Beanland, J. S. Barnett, Messrs W. W. Scarff, A. Peverill, W. J. Walter, J. W. Crampton, George Harper, W. E. Leadley, F. W. J. Belton, M. Ross <Labour Department), Mrs A. L Fraer,Rev. F. T. Head, and Mr L. N. Hitchens* (honorary secretary). An apology for absence was received from Mr George Maginness. Shorter Working Hours The Richmond Burgesses' Association wrote recommending the committee "to consider seriously shorter working hours lor everybody." It was decided to reply that already the committee was investigating the subject.

Alleged Abuse of No. 5 Scheme The Canterbury Unemployed Workers' Association wrote asking the committee to receive a deputation which proposed to make representations about "flagrant examples of the abuse of the No. 5 scheme." It was decided to receive the deputation, but its members did not put in an appearance before the committee rose about noon.

Employment Bureaux Mr Crampton referred to the announcement of the intention of the Unemployment Board to establish employment bureaux, and said that the committee some time back had advocated such bureaux, but had been informed that provision already existed. It now appeared that this was not so. The chairman said that they knew only what they saw in the newspapers, but it appeared that it was now intended to get in touch with employers and try to get men back into their ordinary work, instead of waiting for employers to apply to the Labour Department. Mr Read said that the Returned Soldiers' Association had such a scheme in operation, and was even subsidising employers. Cr. Barnett suggested that the Unemployment Board's new proposal was really a recognition of the Bristol scheme.

Relief Measures Mr Harper reported on the activities of the central relief depot as follows: Week ended November 3: New applications, 32; cases reviewed, 305; cases declined, 12; total, 349. Sustenance: Cases granted, 22; declined, one; totaL 23. Rations granted for 2148 families. Week ended November 10: New applications, 11; cases reviewed, 397; cases declined, six; total, 414. Sustenance: Cases granted, 13; declined, one; total, 14. Rations issued for 2123 families. Mr Harper said that everything was going on quietly and comfortably at the depot. The report was received. Building Subsidy Mr Ross reported that under the No. 12 scheme (building subsidy) the number of applications in Christchurch and district since the inauguration of the scheme was 245, representing a value of £158,430 8s; number approved, 193; amount, £135,261 15s. The subsidy amounted to £11,030 17s lOd. MEETING OF WOMEN'S COMMITTEE The monthly meeting of the Christchurch Women's Unemployment Committee was held last night, Mrs A. I. Fraer in the chair. An apology for absence was received from Mrs D. G. Sullivan. The employment report showed that 104 had been employed in the centres, and 16 in subsidised positions; there had been seven new registrations; on the live list were 134, and 19 had been placed in positions. The cookery and sewing , report stated that 3316 meals had been served or sent out; 95 garments had been made for Mrs Sullivan, 26 for the Metropolitan Relief Association, 22 for the women's auxiliary, eight for Mr Revell, and 27 for the centres.