UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM

Evening Star, Issue 20292, 28 September 1929, Page 13

UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM

MR FLETCHER’S PROPOSAL IMPRACTICABLE, SAYS PREMIER [Fr.oit Och Pasli.s uiixtaky Kri’OXTfr--] WELLINGTON, September 28., In the House of Representatives this morning the Prime Minister, turning to his supporter, Mr Fletcher (Grey Lynn) remarked that he was quite prepared to investigate Air Fletcher’s suggestion foi increasing the amount ol the highways revenue to £3.000,000 by borrowing £2,000.000 more for two years as a means of meeting the unemployment difficulty, “ But I want to tell him that it can’t bo done.' (Laughter and Labour cries of “Why investigate it? ”) . Sir Joseph Ward; I am quite willing to investigate it, but, as a matter of fact, it would mean borrowing on the Loudon market for throe years running. It is not a feasible financial proposition. 1 am quite willing Air Fraser: To investigate how it can’t be done. (Laughter.) r , Sir Joseph Ward: To investigate it to satisfy anybody who thinks it can be*done. Air Fletcher; I could handle the matter myselfSir Joseph Ward: I dare say you could. (Laughter.) The hen. gentleman should beware of gifts from the Greeks. The Reform Party are throw ing their gifts at you. It was to flatter the, hon. gentleman and elevate him on a pedestal that did not have a foundation. Air Fletcher; How does one hang on if there is no foundation? (Laughter.) Sir Joseph Ward: I am telling the hon. gentleman in a perfectly respect able manner. (Loud laughter.)