WORK FOR ALL

Evening Star, Issue 20292, 28 September 1929, Page 15

WORK FOR ALL

PRIME MINISTER CONFIDENT POLICY TO PROVIDE FULL EMPLOYMENT [From Ora . Pabuauiikiaet Reporter.] WELLINGTON, September 28. Tho sensational statement was made by the Prime Minister in the House at 2.15 this morning that in five weeks’ time there would bo no unemployed men capable of doing work. This prompetd shouts of gratification, and the Prime Minister repeated his statement with deliberation. In conclusion ho said that under tho Government’s land legislation proposals and railways policy he fully expected to get employment for a large number of men now out of work. “Of all the big things the Prime Minister has done,” 'declared Mr Fletcher (Grey, Lynn), “ this one promise to-night will write his name on the hearts of the people of this country. That is the biggest thing that has been done in tho history of New Zealand. I thank him for his promise.” WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS BONE [Per Ukitsd Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 28. During the discussion in the House early this morning on unemployment the Prime Minister said that members had advocated tho erection of various public buildings, but he pointed out that there was a limit to the country’s capacity for expenditure in this direction. The Prime Minister said ho shared tho anxiety in regard to unemployment, but ho pointed out that a certain degree of duty to find employment devolved on the local bodies. Tho Government had been sympathetic, and had met every case that had come before it within reason, and the amount of money that had been spent was prodigious. He would undertake that within five weeks there would be no unemployed in New Zealand among men who were able to work. Ho pointed out that there was enough difficulty in employing our own people. We die not want to have to find work for others from Australia Tho land settlement scheme would employ a large number of men. The Government was dealing with the problem in a practical way, and would deal with it effectively. Mr Holland (’Butler) said it was not an exaggeration to say that every unemployed man was an economic loss to the country. There were fields open for employment of these men. Land settlement certainly offered a wide scope, and hundreds could be employed in railway construction, .road construction, and particularly tho reconstruction of those roads that were damaged by the earthquake could also be undertaken. Mr Holland said that as Leader of the Labour Party he welcomed Sir Joseph Ward’s statement .that there woyild be uo unemployed in New Zealand in five weeks, and the whole country _ would welcome it. Ho pledged the solid support of the Parliamentary Labour Party in giving effect to this policy, and he was sure the Prime Minister would go right out to redeem his pledge! Mr Fletcher said lie wished to thank the Prime Minister sincerely for his statement and the wonderful message lie had given - to the people of New Zealand. A gospel of hope would replace a gospel of despair.