UNEMPLOYED INSURANCE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 63, 11 September 1909, Page 9

UNEMPLOYED INSURANCE.

The Federal Government is proceeding with preliminary investigations connected with its proposed unemployment insurance scheme. As suggested in the Melbourne Age recently, the Minister for Customs is seeking the advice of friendly society experts. Sir Robert Best has sent a letter to the corresponding secretary of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, pointing out that as he is giving some consideration to the question of insuring wdrkers against unemployment, he should like suggestions, more especially in regard to the following questions :—: — (1) Would it be practicable, keeping Australian conditions of living and employment always in view, to establish a system of insurance, which would embrace the following contributors, and be financially sound and capable of easy and efficient administration — the Commonwealth, the employer, and the employed ? (2) To what extent should each of the above contribute, i.e., in what proportions ? (3) Should there be a Federal institution, which should undertake insurance and payment? (4) What machinery do you consider necessary to work tuch ft scheme! (5) .What would be the. extent of the

insurance as compared with wages, i.e., the proportion of unemployed pay, as compared with full pay 1

A SWEEPING NOTICE OP MOTION.

Tn the New South Wales Assembly last week, Mr. Dacey asked the Premier if it were the intention of the Government to_ reduce the number of members of Parliament, and, if so, to what extent? Also, was it intended to make any alteration in the constitution of the Legislative Council? Mr. Wade replied that the intention of the Government in respect of these matters would be made known at an early date. Mr. Cann subsequently gave notice of his intention to move that, in the opinion of the House, a referendum should be taken at the next general election on the following questions : Abolition of the Legislative Council, abolition of the State Governorship, and the abolition of the Agency-General.

A MAN WHO NEVER WORKS.

Sergeant Murray had an exciting adventure with a lunatic at the West Maitland Police Station on 30th ult. The man, who, it was afterwards learnt, had burned his swag and tent at Lenaghan's Creek, near Mmmi, and stood by and fanned the flames with his hat, walked to Maitlaud and purchased a sheath knife. He then made his way to the police station, and asked for the sergeant. Sergeant Murray presented himseli, and the man .said, " I want money, I want you to keep me. I never work. 1 ' After some further conversation he suddenly produced a knife, which was wrapped in brown paper, stripped the paper off the blade, and in reply to a question by the sergeant as to what he intended doing with it said, "I am going to stick it into you."

The sergeant made a move to gain possession of the knife, whereupon the eccentric individual became aggressive, and made a rush, holding the knife in a threatening manner. Defensive tactics were adopted by the sergeant, and, grasping a ruler in the event of a further attack by the man, ultimately persuaded him to deliver up possession of the weapon. The man was afterwards remanded for medical treatment and observation at Newcastle.