SCHEME 13

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 81, 30 December 1940, Page 3

SCHEME 13

Minister Gives Particulars SUBSIDIZED LABOUR Dominion Special Service AUCKLAND, December 29. Particulars of Scheme 13 were given in Auckland by the Minister of Labour, Mr. Webb, in an interview. He said the scheme was practically a dead letter in country towns, only those remaining on it who were too old or infirm to follow their usual occupations. All reasonably able-bodied men had been absorbed in industry or were employed on the laud. The wages of the men under the scheme wore paid by local bodies, subsidized from the Employment Promotion Fund. Mr. Wehb said that the position was somewhat different in the cities, where more than 5000 men under Scheme 13 were employed by local bo'dies on roads and reserves. On drainage 800 men were employed, and river protection schemes absorbed 600. Water supply projects employed 500 men, and some 600 were engaged on school grounds improvements. Throughout the Dominion 300 men were employed in providing social amenities, such as play grounds for a'dults and children, tennis courts and croquet lawns. The Minister said that 800 men under the scheme were employed on afforestation, and 200 on land development. In Otago, Canterbury and Southland, 300 men had 'been placed on a rabbit extermination scheme, tlie various rabbit boards working in conjunction with the Government in a project aime'd at annihilating the pest. Large areas of land were being worked in a systematic manner, and it was confidently hoped that as a result of the scheme the productivity of the land would be greatly increased. Labour For Farms.

Referring to Scheme B, subsidized labour for farms, the Minister said that much development work was being ilcne in bushfelling, scrub and gorsecutting, subdivisional fencing, and the like. Some 2500 men were employed on the work. In May last the number was over 4000, but the work was being cut down in order that the men might have the opportunity of taking up private farm work, the Government having promised the farmers all suitable labour available. In a period of IS months ending in September last. 138,000 acres of land had been cleared under the scheme. The improvement-' made were such that the lan'd would now carry an additional 122,000 head of sheep and cattle. “All this labour has been employed to assist farmers to improve their properties,” said Mr. Webb. “Up to 75 per cent, of the wages cost comes from the Employment Promotion Fund, tlie balance being paid by the farmers. Production is being increased under the scheme, and struggling farmers on rough country are bringing their properties into full capacity.” Subsidized Labour. Speaking of subsidized labour in general, the Minister said it was erroneous to hold that such labour was “waste.” “The Government is co-operating with local bodies to the fullest extent in carrying out urgent works,” ho said. “Throughout the country there is evidence on all sides of the practicability of the work done. Thousands of people are using sports grounds constructed by su'bsidize'd labour. Swimming pools have been built in many places, and other improvements; carried out. At the present time some of this labour is being diverted to tlie development of secondary industries. “A scheme has been inaugurated for training adult labour, ami excellent, progress is being made. The educational authorities are assisting. Over 60 a'dults are being trained in the technical school in Wellington for munition work. The secretary of the Wellington Manufacturers’ Association, .Mr. A. AV. Nisbet, lias been engaged by the Government as a special officer to organize the scheme throughout the Dominion.