UNEMPLOYMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 19, 24 January 1927, Page 10

UNEMPLOYMENT

ABSORBING THE MEN

MR. HOLLAND'S SUGGESTIONS'

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WESTPOBT, This Day. During the past few days Mr. H. E. Holland, M.P., Leader of the Opposition, has received communications from Dunedin and other centres stating that unemployment is acute and asking for his co-operation in making representations to the Government.

Mr. Holland has now written to the Acting-Prime Minister urging that, for the purpose of-coping with the prob-. lem, a number of necessary public works at various parts in the Dominion be put in hand at oneo. Ho has also suggested, in view of the present situa' tion.with such large numbers.of- men unemployed here,, that the Government should reconsider its immigration policy. Mr. Holland points out that under the present conditions the stream of immigration must of necessity contribute towards the creation of an army of unemployed.

In another communication to the Acting-Prime Minister Mr. Holland has drawn attention to the fact that there still are more than fifty men unemployed in the town of "Westport, and that so far nothing has been done in the way of starting the public works which the Government has long since stated would, be proceeded with seriously. Mr. Hoiland points out that it is. mare than a month since the Government; made definite promises that the harbour walls would be commenced immediately, and he adds that all the married men among the local unemployed could be absorbed on the harbour works alone if the Goveniment promises were adhered to. He further urges that at least 30 men could be placed oa the Coast road and 200 on the Westport-Inangahua section of the Bullcr Gorge railway.