MINISTRY ON THE ROCKS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 79, 3 April 1926, Page 8

MINISTRY ON THE ROCKS

VICTORIAN PREMIER AND RELIEF FOR.WORKLEBS; ' ;

(United PreM Association—Coprrigkfc) (Received. 3rd April, 2'pJn.)' -.." MELBOURNE, This Day. A deputation waited on the' Premier, Hon. J. Allan, and requested.that work should be provided to alleviate unemployment- It was stated that the' unemployment situation was more acute than ever it had previously been atrthis time. of the year. Between 8000, nd 10,000 men were out of work in the'eity. Mr. Allan, in reply; said'that he did not' agree with the statement ■ that the Ministry should find work ,for everybody. The trouble was that men on relief work, demanded fall wages, .though last year showed that'they 'did on the average only 75 per centl of the normal amount of work. He said that the increased tariff, while.it might give more work, in the city, would reduce employment in the country,; so there would be no real gain from that: ■ He declared, that the Ministry would do what it could with the money'avail* able. A member of the deputation: "I'hope you are not sending ug^ away with-the impression that the Ministry is on the rocks, and that it can do nothing!" :\ i Mr. Allan: "I did not expect ybute get any other impression."