MEETING OF RELIEF FUND COMMITTEE. THE DECISIONS ARRIVED AT.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 9, 10 July 1909, Page 9

MEETING OF RELIEF FUND COMMITTEE. THE DECISIONS ARRIVED AT.

The executive of the Unemployed Relief Committee met "yesterday afternoon 111 the Mayoi's room.'' The Mayor (Dr. Newman) presided. There were also present — Hon. J. E- Jenkinson, Messrs. F. M. B. Fisher and R. A. Wright, M.P.'s, W. Noot, R. C. Kirk, J. E. Fitzgerald, and G. Willis (secretary). The proceedings were for the most part in committee. Ou the admission of representatives ■of newspapers, they were advised of the results of the deliberations. It was decided : "That funds be paid only for work done, and not dispensed as charity." The Government's offer of a subsidy of £ for H raised locally was accepted ; all work to be carried out under the supervision of the City Engineer (Mr. Morton), and the rate of pay to be 8s for men engaged, engagements to be weekly. Preference of employment will be given to bona fide residents of Wellington, those having dependents upon them to be given first preference. Mr. R. C Kirk reported that the Victoria College 'Council had accented the offer of the Citizens' Committee, and had agreed to expend the funds in conjunction with the; Citizens' Committe.e. In open meeting, it was resolved to ask the Hospital Trustees to contribute to the fund, as their property was to be improved by work that was to be provided for the unemployed. Suggestions by Mr. Wright, that churches be asked to take up collections for the fund, and from Mr. Noot, that the hospital collecting boxes be placed in hotels for collection of funds, were adopted. A committee was appointed to arrange amusements in aid of the fund, the Mayor announcing that the Victoria College students intended to give a concert and theatrical performance in aid of the fund at practically no expenditure on the production. He had also received other offers of 'this kind. A suggestion of Mr. Wright, that 'picture shows and theatrical companies should be asked to assist, found some acceptance. A deputation of the whole executive committee was appointed to wait on the Harbour Board with reference Eo pushing on works for which £90,000 had been allocated, Mr. Jenkinson emphasising the importance of such works being expedited and the time of completion abridged, so that as many men as possible could be put on at one" time. It was decided to work in conjunction with the Labour Bureau with regard tr> engagement of men, and to refuse work to any single man who had declined the Labour Bureau's offer of work out of Wellington. The committee, being faced with the necessity of providing a large number of shovels and other tools which would ultimately be difficult to dispose of, resolved that Messrs. Fisher and Jenkinson ask the Government to loan such material from the Public Works Department stores, the City Council's plant being fully engaged. Nlt was pointed out by Mr. Jenkinson that tha ironmongers had previously made a donation of shovels, picks, and spades, and they might be again approached. Ihe Mayor, on Mr. Kirk pointing out that unemployed carpenters might be utilised on woodwork in Victoria College, observed that many people who left the renovation of their houses or business places to the spring or summer could render substantial aid by having such work done now, and he hoped his calling attention to it would be sufficient. A meeting of the General Committee was fixed for Wednesday next.