UNEMPLOYED IN CHCH

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31595, 5 February 1968, Page 14

UNEMPLOYED IN CHCH

“No Take-over” Intended

There was no thought of “a Social Credit take-over” of the unemployed, Mr J. Pounsford, spokesman on unemployment for the Canterbury Regional Council of the Social Credit League, and the league’s candidate for Sydenham, said last evening. He was commenting on a statement by the president of the Canterbury Trades Council of the Federation of Lab our (Mr R. A. Hill). Mr Hill had said that it was “quite apparent” that certain people were trying to use the unemployment organisation “foi their own political theories and dreams.” “Heaven forbid that our unemployed should be used as a political football,” said Mr Pounsford. "I am concerned that Mr Hill's statement could cause a split in the unemployment organisation and their support. “I have long believed that a combined organisation of all groups who are concerned with the problems of the unemployed could render the most assistance, regardless of their politics.

“With the . unemployment figure about 8000, and rising rapidly, there is no room for petty inter-group jealousy. 1 would assure Mr Hill that there is no thought of a Social Credit take-over of the unemployed. We have helped them and are prepared to give all assistance possible to woi4 in with all other organisations of like mind,” he said.