Unemployment Relief

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 202, 23 May 1936, Page 11

Unemployment Relief

-Sir, —As national representatives of tlie New Zealand unemployed workers, we take grave exception to a statement appearing in the leading article “Unemployment Relief” ("Dominion,” 22.5.36). Tlie statement is as follows:—"One member of the deputation hinted that if .their wants were not attended to they would rally to the support of the Opposition.” Alay we make this quite clear: the National Unemployed Workers’ Alovement will never on any account rally to the support of the (National) Opposition. AA’e regard unemployment as a direct result of tlie capitalist system, and the present party in Opposition as the open representatives of that system. The N.U.AV.AI. has always maintained its non-party-political character. AVhile reserving full right of independent criticism, wc will whole-heartedly support tlie Labour Government in any measures they put forward to improve the conditions of the unemployed. It is evident that, a totally incorrect conclusion was drawn from the remarks of tlie speaker who. in dealing with the possibility of attacks by the Opposition forces on the Government, said that we (tlie unemployed) would rally round. Taking the whole tenor of tlie discussion, it was clear that this remark could have only one meaning: to rally round the Government-against .such attacks. Thanking yon for (he opportunity of making tlie matter clear.—AA’e are. etc., G. T. MOUNCER (secretary). (.'HAS. AL BROOKS. A. ANDREAVS. M. ORMEROD. flic-plying to the Prime Minister's remark to the deputation that "we wilt lie able to look tlie unemployed squarely in the face in the days to come,” Atr. Brooks said. “I hope so, because if you don’t you might lose their support.” This remark would convey to most people the implication of a threat of opposition (o the Government. A vote against Hie Government would bo a vote for the Opposition.]