LACK OF MONEY

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 58, 2 December 1930, Page 10

LACK OF MONEY

Local Bodies’ Difficulty RELIEF PROPOSALS Palmerston Conference Dominion Special Service. Palmerston North, December 1. Following the decision of the Unemployment Board to make £25,000 available for subsidies to local bodies to provide a measure of relief for unemployed men to tide them over Christmas, a conference of local bodies, convened by the Mayor of Palmerston North (Mr. A. J. Graham), was held at Palmerston North this afternoon. The primary industries’ representative on the board, Mr. P. J. Smail, was present to outline schemes adopted by the board, and to receive any recommendations and suggestions that the conference might bring forward. The purpose of the conference was to give consideration to and explore possible works which might be put in hand so that the offer of the subsidy could be availed of. However, representatives of all local bodies present, With the exception ot three, reported that their respective bodies were unable through lack of money to put in hand any work at present. In this connection several delegates abvocated recommending to the board that grants be made toward deserving works, but on the advice of Mr. Small, a resolution on these lines was withdrawn. It was decided that each local body should make application for relief from the board on its own behalf. Position of Palmerston, In introducing Mr. Small, the Mayor, who presided, Congratulated him on this appointment. Mr. Grahnrn outlined the efforts Of the City Council to alleviate distress, and said that although a considerable amount had been expended in this direction in the past few months, the position was still acute. “As far as the city is concerned,” he Concluded, “it is impossible for us to raise any more money for relief work.” Board’s Policy. “I recognise fully the importance of the position that I am taking and I recognise my weaknesses, but I can assure you that I will use my best endeavours to do tile work for Which I was placed there by the primary producers of the Dominion,” said Mt. Small, in explaining the functions of the board. He said that as time Went on it was the aim of the board to see that there was no unemployed taan in the country. The policy of the board Was to prevent anything in the nature of a dole being instituted in the country. Sustenance would not be paid until every avenue of employment had been exploited. When that failed, however, sustenance would have to be paid. The board had brought down two schemes which would, although they would not entirely remove unemployment, Would assist materially in its alleviation. Mr. Smiill answered questions, and delegates outlined the position of the bodies which they represented. Flax Industry. Mr. .7. K. Hornblow, chairman of the Palmerston North Hospital Board* reported on the efforts of the board. The board had several necessary works which were suitable for the absorption of some Of the unemployed. It was making immediate application for a subsidy from the Unemployment Board. Dealing with subsidising the flax industry, Mr. Hornblow said that the industry was governed by the Arbitration Court, which fixed the wages of employees. If assistance could be given to the industry about 600 men would be put into employment immediately. Bodies That Can Help. • “Local bodies are up against it financially, and it seems that the offer cannot be accepted because no money Can be raised,” said Mr. Graham. “It appears that the Foxton Harbour Board, the Palmerston North Hospital Board, and the Otaki Borough Council are the only bodies that can give assistance.” There was Ohly one way under those conditions, ahd that was the giving of Straight-out grants. Mr. Small said he understood that flaxmillers were applying to the Arbitration Court to have the Conditions changed. That was unfortunate, as it Would cause difficulties. ACTION AT WANGANUI Committee to be Set Up Dominion Special Service. Wanganui, December 1. A public meeting called to set up an unemployment committee by the Mayor of Wanganui (Mr. W. J. Rogers), overflowed the City Council Chambers tonight. In opening the meeting) Mr. Rogers said he felt he Would be lacking in bis duty if he did not speedily Call a meeting and form a committee on the lilies set out by the Unemployment Board. He said the City Council had done its best, and during the past five years £46,294 had been devoted to unemployment relief lb Wanganui, and they could do no more. Mr. J. T. Hogan, M.P., outlined various schemes which were brought before the Parliamentary Unemployment Committee, and handed on to the new Employment Board, notably regarding the flax industry. ‘‘l feel,” said Mr. Hogan* “that the Unemployment Board should Visit the larger scenes of industry, and also get in touch With farmers* every inch of whose land must be made to produce. Circulate your motley if you have it. There are twelve millions more in banks and savings banks in New Zealand than there were last year. People who are hoarding are making the position worse. New Zealand will not be so badly off when the settling down process is over. Her recuperative powers are tremendous.” It was resolved — That this meeting of representative citizens of Wanganui and the surrounding district agree to the setting up of a local Unemployment Committee representing local bodies, to co-operate with the Unemployment Board. That tills meeting Of representative citizens of Wanganui and the surrounding district, comprising a large number of Unemployed workers as well, re quests tlie Unemployment Board to inimediately send one or more members to Wanganui to meet the local Unemployment Committee for the purpose of taking notion to meet the immediate requirements of the Unemployed workers of the city and surrounding district, and that copies of this resolution be immediately forwarded to the Unemployment Board, the Hon. W. A. Veitch, and Mr. J. T. Hogan, M.P. It was also decided fhut tlie Minister of Labour be invited to visit Wanganui at ah early date to give an address on the working of the Unemployment Act.