UNEMPLOYMENT

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 124, 26 May 1923, Page 9

UNEMPLOYMENT

The Minister.of Labour, the Hoh,G. J. Anderson, does not think that un employment will be such a serious.problem this winter as it was last. Taking the country as a whole the position is no worse than usual. On 21st"May, 1921, there were 1134 unemployed on the books of the Department. On 20th May, 15522, the number was 1557. On 19th May of this year it was 767. In Auckland, on the 19th of this month, the number was 242, in Wellington, 212, Christchurch 125, Dunedin 18. • Figures at other important towns' ranged from 41 at Inyercargill to 2 at Masterton., The Minister received fronv'his Department each week distress figures coy. .Bring cases that are really urgent.! :Thia week there were three such cases, where the people were destitute. The Department is making every effort to findrworl •for those who need it, and private employers are asked to assist in this direction. ,-' ■'■•■'•■■■. :

•:■ "We have made - arrangements with all the post offices in the country," continued the Minister, "and in future they will take the names of "workers' needing employment and people needing workers. The post offices will endeavoui to put applicants in touch with th« people they want to. see. At this time of the year there is always unemployment. The most difficult people.to place are those .who are not fit for heavy .work, and if the members of the general/public can absorb any of them on light, worV they will be. doing something that wi! be.of real assistance. I consider,it is the duty of the public as well, as the duty oi the Government to help in this matter, Tho Government is doing all it can i; this matter, and it is,up to the.local bod ies to exert themselves aa much; as, pos*. sible." V '