UP AGAINST CRISIS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 105, 28 January 1931, Page 11

UP AGAINST CRISIS

Food Administration

NO MAN WILL STARVE

Organisation of Relief

MR FORBES’S DECLARATION

By Telegraph.—Press Association

Christchurch, January 27. Replying to a deputation which waited on him to-riiglit with a request for an emergency grant to tide the 1900 unemployed in the city over the period till sustenance is payable, the Prime Minister said lie had not had an opportunity of discussing with the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Public Works what could be done.

“We are up against a crisis never experienced in this country before,” continued the Prime Minister. “This is the most difficult time we have ever had to overcome. It will require careful administration. We must see first fiiat no man starves. lam going into that question of food administration. The second necessity is that of providing work.” Stream of Money Poured Out. On public works there was now a greater number of men than ever before, and the Goevrnment was pouring out a stream of money to keep them in employment. Money was not plentiful or unlimited, and the Government had to be careful with ifs resources. His job was to go into the question of finances. “This is the commencement of a very difficult period in New Zealand history,” said Mr. Forbes, ‘‘and when I get back to Wellington I will go into the question of what can be done. "I am determined on the question of food that people must not be able to come along and say: ‘We are starving.’ The ground must be covered thoroughly, and relief must be organised in a way it has never been organised before.” Mr. Barnsley, secretary of the unemployed committee: That will take a considerable time. Mr. Forbes: I’ll go into it immediately on my return to Wellington. It is the most urgent problem we have in New Zealand. , Mr. D. G. Sullivan, M.P.: You will look into the question of what is to be done for the next three weeks? Mr. Forbes said that he would. Position of Farmers. “The thing will grow,” he continued. “It can’t help it. When I see the farming community I can see what they are up against. It will be impossible for them to provide work, and if they get a living themselves in the next twelve months they will be well off. Improvements on farms will have to stand still, and every business and person, in the community will feel that. I recognise the urgency and seriousness of the problem. As soon as a decision is reached it will be communicated to Mr. E. J. Howard.” Mr. Howard said the fact that Mr. Forbes had met them on the railway station showed that he was in earnest. He could hardly realise how serious was the position. Mr. Forbes-; I can feel the reaction. When wool is down to 4}d. a pound, and lamb is the same, the town must feel the effect.