SINGLE MEN'S CAMPS.

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 91, 14 October 1931, Page 4

SINGLE MEN'S CAMPS.

Already some relief camps for single men had been established, and it was hoped to use them as part of the plan for bringing land into use. The relief pay—it was not wages—was lower than they would wish, but its limit was fixed by the funds available. He recognised that conditions were not ideal; how could they be in experimental camps? But no effort would be spared to ensure that living conditions would be comfortable.

He added ,that the men drafted out for developing these lands would be given an opportunity, if they desired, to acquire sections when the land was partially, or wholly developed. (Labour members: "Hear, hear.") This was but a beginning. More

would follow.

"I am not satisfied," said Mr. Coates, "that we have yet done enough to explore the possibilities of absorbing men on the land. Goodi as the plans are that have already been devised, they do not go far enough. We are faced with the fact that, with 42,000 men placed under the various schemes, less than 6000 are on the land, while more than 36,000 are on the roads.

SMALL-FARM SETTLEMENTS. "We are giving consideration to the establishment of small farm holdings. We have the land; we have the cottages or hutments of the type used in Public Works camps; and we have the men anxious to get on the land. Can we riot bring these together? We might visualise a group of cottages—mot over-elaborate, it is true, but more acceptable than conditions that many must now accept—cottages

with a few acres of land on which families could occupy themselves part-time. Families grouped together

around, a centre might develop into a- prospering, self-reliant community with a social life and amenities of their own.

"This is but an idea roughly sketched. It is something that may lie ahead, something that could not bo tackled in a day, but only with careful forethought and planning." A voice: "A good idea." "At tho moment," he added "wo have under consideration a plan to place a definite number of families in cottages in country villages and districts." Mr. J. O'Brien (Labour, Westland): "How much land?" Mr. Coates: "I am hopeful that we shall receive gifts of land on which families may maintain themselves." Mr. B. Semple (Labour, Wellington East): "You are hanging on a slender cord." LABOUR LOANS. Another form of possible assistanca, he said, both for farms and for industry, is that of a "Labour loan," by which the funds available for rolief might be used to tide over the difficulties of people temporarily unable to finance necessary labour. This proposal is being inves-

tigated with a view to its adoption,

"'To assist in tho work in hand," he proceeded, "I now propose to summon tho counsel and assistance of chairmen of county councils throughout New Zealand, in association with their colleagues and all other persons whd can be helpful." Mr. H. T. Armstrong (Labour, Christchurch East): "Why not another board?"

Mr. Coates said he hoped that from their knowledge of local conditions they would be able to throw light upon the best means of attacking the problems in hand. They would indicate blocks of land, public or private, that were worth consideration. He had written to three county chairmen, and ono of them had informed him that he believed in his county alone, under the 4 (a) j and 4 (b) schemes, and a little assistance through the labour loan idea, I they could employ a thousand men and I keep them in occupation for some time. Mr. F. Langstone (Labour, Waimarino): "Will the money be free?" j Mr. Coatos: "No, by loan." | Mr. W. Nash (Labour, Hutt) asked what tho term labour loan meant. The Minister replied that small settiers* who were unable to employ labour during the. winter were prepared to ] give a lien on their produce cheques for this year and. nest year so as to j enable them to make improvements with the aid of unemployed workers. | It would enable them to keep their farms going. The county chairmen would bo. able to give invaluable advice. He was addressing letters at once to all county chairmen.

The Minister went on to refer, to the work of the local unemployment committees,, and'said they must recognise^ that unemployment relief must not be made so attractive that there,was any incentive for workers to remain on relief, works. (Labour . laughter.) "Members may laugh," he commented, "but, it is very easy to go in that direction." Every facility and inducement must be given to tho men to become absorbed as soon as possible in the ordinary life of the country."