WORK ON LAND

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 8, 9 July 1931, Page 11

WORK ON LAND

THE FRANKLIN SCHEME

REPORT TO FARMERS' UNION

The necessity of Now Zealand possessing a policy which would lead to tho elimination of. the cause of unemployment was stressed.by a committee of the conference of the Zealand Farmers' Union -to-dtiy. The committee made recommendations rgarding unemployment. "As the experience gained'during the last few years'leads us to believe that unemployment troubles will not be quickly got rid of, even if uioro prosperous times eventuate in, the near future, we feel it imperative that a definite policy should be laid down which would eventually lead to an elimination of a great number of-the'unemployed, aud tho elimination of the cause," said the committoo. "We. consider it imperative that finance bo made available immediately to.assist farmqrjs-'who will otherwise have to vacato "their farms owing- to lack of-funds. This is, in our opinion, the most-pressing nfeed iv the country to-day," '■' :. : The committee considered .that Mr, Franklin's scheme for farm camps should be amended and -given a trial,

The function to be perfohnad by the Government would be;—(1) -'l'o secure suitable farms. (2) To provide the ma-terial-for erecting hutments, otc. (3) To provide food for tho occupants of tho farm.

The duties of occupants would be: — (1) To observe tho rules of 'tho farm. (2) To give honest work iv return for food and payments supplied.-, (3) To proceed to other employment .when procured. ' (4) To behave- themselves iv a proper, orderly fashion. : "It is felt," the report'stated, "that such employment farms will be necessary for many years to come, 'in- order to absorb the unemployed, and that tho upkeep will not be a heavy drain on tlie Government after a proper start is made. ' MARRIED MEN. "We also consider that a .-.sum of money should bo provided-for,the purpose of putting married men on to small holdings of,-say, ten to twonty acres of good land, such holdings to bo given-rent .free for a terra,, This would not only "permanently dispose of these men so settled from tho ranks of tho unemployed, but would enable them to become a valuable asset to the Dominion. ' . ."We believe' that, .largo numbers of unemployed 'could profitably be: absorbed on local reproductive schemes, such as planting marram grass On sand dunes in North Auckland, Manawatu, .and Taranaki. districts, clearing of timber lands in Ohakuuo and Raetihi districts, and similar work,.

"Wo consider tho.restrictions placed upon local bodies by which they cannot secure unemployment funds for necessary work are wrong, and-lead to a lot of unproductive expenditure. - "Provision 1 will have to bo made to train,the youth of this country to enable him to take up-occupation that wilt be remunerative to himself and make him a valuable asset to the country, ft' ' . ' ' "These schemes arc suggested to meet tlie immediate need, and ; We consider tho whole question of unemployment is'irrevocably wrapped up in the prosperity of the primary'producer of this country. If the costs of th,o farming community aro not materially ■brought down within a very short time, and because, thoro is littlo prospect~of ;; any appreciable riso in prices, thousands moro' men will leave' their laud and join the unemployed ranks. _

"The most.urgeut need exists, ; in our opinion,' for 1 , these costs to bo Towered ■by (a) derating'of agricultural land, (b)'.' substantial reduction in duties on necessaries of life and tools of production from Empire countrios, (c) substantial reduction in interest charges.'!

Apropos' of a reduction iv duties, the conference carried.remits to tho effect that it was , opposed to duties or restrictions, for, protective.purposes; being placed upon the necessaries.of life aud production, and rthat any temporary assistance necessary:, to Jocal industries should be in-the. .form of! subsidies.