"HELP FOR HAWKES BAY"

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 103, 4 May 1931, Page 8

"HELP FOR HAWKES BAY"

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Under the above heading, in Wednesday's "Post" appeared a report of proceedings at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce meeting, wherein it was stated that members discussed the advisability of assisting the people of Hawkes Bay by dispatching the army of unemployed to the ruined region. Mr. J. Myer.fl is reported to have advocated the mobilisation of forty thousand men who are at present without work, and the transport of them for the immediate' purpose of clearing .the debris. But another member, name not stated, interjected that "to talk of sending the unemployed to Hawkes Bay is ludicrous." May I inquire, Sir, from this speaker why he considers the; proposal comical? Since 'I, last wrote upon this matter I have received a reply from the Prime Minister, to whom I had forwarded copies of my letters in "The Post," dealing with the question. Mr. Forbes says "he has read them'with much interest," and he thanks me for bringing my views under his notice. He does not allude to the subject as in any way ridiculous, nor would any sensible man so , regard any sincere proposal for the alleviation of our terrible unemployment problem. I must ask your pardon, Sir, for thus again venturing to encroach upon your valuable space for the airing of my opinions, but it must always be remembered that it was the publication of the article by "X" in your columns which first revealed the possibility of solving the difficulties of our idle thousands by setting them to work upon rehabilitating the Hawkes Bay district. Even if only the single men, were dispatched there it would make things, much easier for th^ married men in other centres, as there would, naturally, .then be : considerably ■ more work available.. ■■■■■.i 1:I'-. '?:; .-> .' ■ ■".■■' ■■".- ■:■■■■-. . ■■' • This is my final .effort towards directing general attention, to" ;a" moat urgent problem, but I earnestly hope' some move will soon be .made in' the course mdi-catod--lam';ctC'';:L/D.-AUSTIN.