THE SILVER LINING

Evening Star, Issue 19319, 4 August 1926, Page 8

THE SILVER LINING

OUTLOOK FOR UNEMPLOYED PROSPECTS FOR THIS WEEK. The silver lining is appearing for the unemployed. Within the nest week fifty-one men will bo placed in jobs, and there is no sign that, others will not bo helped. The Public Works Department has decided not to send the fifteen men required to Ranfurly for the irrigation job for the present. So far, three men nave been definitely selected for the job, and. the Labor Department official does not anticipate any difficulty in obtaining the full quota, despite the refusals of some married men to go to Ranfurly owing to the conditions. It is. probable that the erection of the camp will be completed in' about a week’s time, and the men will then bo sent to the work. The corporation is doing its big share in the relief of the unemployed. Altogether twenty-two men were started this morning—ten on Forbury road, sis on excavations at the rifle butts at Pelichet Bay, and sis on road formation on Logan Park. When the executive of the Citizens’ Unemployment Committee met this morning the chairman (Cr J. Wilson) reported that another fourteen men would be needed at Logan Park. The reading work there would keep the men engaged for some time.

The Rev. V. G. Bryan King said that the committee was puzzled as to what works could bo started that would absorb the men even temporarily. .

Cr Wilson said that all the work possible would entail other expenditure which was not desirable.

Afforestation schemes to provide employment had been suggested, but it was pointed out that the hills mentioned as suitable were not the property of the corporation. Further, stated Cr Wilson, the method of planting would prevent many men being employed. “ Would not the Domain Board start some work if wo paid our share?” asked Mr R. Harrison. Cr Wilson replied that four men had been taken on by the board. The chairman (Cr Hancock) had stated that the difficulty was that, the foreman could not attend to the men. The hoard was in funds, but the previous placed men had not given satisfaction. Mr Harrison: Still that should not stand in the way if there is work to be done and men to do it. Rev. Mr King said that many cases needed urgent relief, particularly some single men, Mr 11. Moffat (secretary) said that the problem ot men capable of light work only had not been solved. A motor firm wrote offering to give a £5 prize for a petrol consumption test, tickets for guesses to be sold to the public and the proceeds to bo devoted to the unemployment fund. The executive decided to approach the Otago Motor Club and ask it to conduct the competition. The registration lists are increasing. The figure at the Labor Department at 11 a.m. stood at 237, an increase of twenty-five on the total at 11 a.m. yesterday. Eleven men registered this morning.