HUTT UNEMPLOYED

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 221, 15 June 1931, Page 5

HUTT UNEMPLOYED

Stoppage of No. 5 Scheme

BURDEN ON LOCAL BODIES

When asked how the cessation of the No. 5 scheme would affect the unemployed position in the Lower Hutt Borough, the Mayor, Mr. W. T. Strand, made no secret of the fact that it would greatly complicate matters. But, he said, a way would be found, a way must be found, whereby some relief could be given to the unemployed in the borough, lie was confident, however, that ways and means could be found of doing something. The men could not be left to stare, . “I am sorry,” he continued, that the Government did not continue their preI sent amount of relief; of course, the men, w’ith their wives and families, must be provided for, and it rests with those mote fortunate who are at present in employment to provide for them. In my opinion, it would be better to double the levy than to resort to loans. “In a crisis like this, 1 consider there are thousands of women employed in New Zealand who would be only too willing to pay the same levy as the men. Sustenance must be provided, and work is better than the dole, particularly if such work is of a useful character. If work ‘hat was of a beneficial nature were provided, ratepayers would be willing to contribute more than if their money was being spent on unproductive work. “Genuine and deserving cases in Lower Hutt will receive every consideration that it is possible to give. Just what can be done I cannot at present say, but every endeavour is being made, and will be made, to meet the situation. Of this, however, I am sure, that the local bodies cannot carry the burden the .Prime Minister is asking of them. Closer co-operation between the Government and the local bodies would produce much better results, and indeed the question of local control, of loc-ally-collected funds, is worthy of consideration. Useful work and work that will require materials of local manufacture is the most likely way of restoring things to normal.”