UNEMLPOYMENT

Evening Star, Issue 21130, 16 June 1932, Page 8

UNEMLPOYMENT

DISTRICT RELIEF SCHEME DUNEDIN CENTRAL MEETING In order to organise relief for the unemployed in Dunedin Central (No. 3 district) a large number of residents met on 1 'onday evening in Burns Hall. The Rev. Allen Stcvely was in the chair, and churches and other institutions' of the district were fully represented. , , The plan drawn up by the mayor s executive for the relief of distress caused by unemployment was presented to the meeting, and the duties of the central and district committees were explained. _ The names of the various churches and of other institutions represented at the meeting were received. Mr H. L. Paterson, a member of the mayor s executive, addressed the meeting. He said that it was not the intention of the district committees to interfere with the social work of the churches. The object was to provide relief for the unemployed in respect of fuel, footwear, and clothing. A district committee of sixteen members was appointed to deal with the task of organisation of this relief. The committee embraces the various churches and institutions of the district, and a fine spirit of readiness to co-operate was manifested at the meeting. . , A Ladies’ Committee was appointed, with Sister Elinor as convener. This committee will include sewing circles in all the churches and institutions within No. 3 district. Those who are willing to help are asked to notify Sister Elinor.

A largely attended meeting of No. 3 District Committee was held,yesterday, and an encouraging report was received by Sister Elinor of the ladies’ meeting held on Tuesday afternoon. The ladies of the combined institutions have taken up the scheme heartily. The District Committee appointed a Finance Committee and made arrangements that will enable the No. 3 district depot to be opened at an early date. Mr Ironside, 327 York place, was appointed secretary, and Mr Alex. Martin was elected treasurer. Cash donations towards the relief work should be sent to Mr Martin, 91a Princes street, Dunedin, who to-day acknowledges receipt of £2 from J. N. Webb and Co. AN URGENT APPEAL The Dowling street depot staff has just investigated a case of distress which needs urgent attention. A family comprising eight children has been found to be in such sore straits that several of the children have been sleeping on a double bed which has no mattress. The depot has been able to assist in the way of providing blankets, but the staff is making an appeal for some generous donor to send in a double bed mattress. As a matter of fact, there are other houses on the list whicli could also be made more comfortable if gifts of this nature were secured. CHALMERS WORKERS The following telegram has been despatched by Mr A. E. Ansell, M.P., to the Minister of Employment (Mr J. G. Coates): — “ A deputation from Port Chalmers, Sawyers Bay, and Green Island unemployed waited on me to urge immediate abolition of stand-down week. Men now receiving less work than under 3d tax. In my opinion position of many men very serious. Can you deal with this matter this week ? Consider this very necessary.” With a view to raising funds for the relief of the Port Chalmers unemployed, it has been decided to hold a carnival week in the near future, this to include an old-time dance and concerts at which leading Dunedin artists will perform. A tug-of-war will also be staged. An active committee has been set up, and no effort is being spared to make the carnival a huge success. SCHEME NO. 5 Groups will report for work to-mor-row as under: — D.C.C. Reserves Department.—B a.m., at Botanical Gardens: Groups 502, 503, 504, 505. SOCIAL SERVICE The Relief Workers’ Social Service will hold their weekly dance in the Victoria Hall, Crawford street, to-night. That well-known musical combination, Percy Millar’s Dance Band, will supply the music for modern and old-time dance numbers, which will include lucky spots, Monte Carlo competitions, and other attractions. A dainty supper will be provided, and altogether a capital night’s enjoyment is assured. The object for which these dances are being held is a worthy one, and has the support of local business people, who have donated liberally towards the organisation. UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS THE BOARD'S RESPONSIBILITY FIRST DUTY TO SONS OF THE WORKLBSS. [Pee United Pbbss Association.] WELLINGTON, Juno 15. The opinion that his responsibility so far as unemployed youths was concerned rested iu the first instance m caring for the children of workless parents was expressed by the Minister of Employment (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) to-day. Mr Coates said it was fully recognised that the problem of unemployed youths was a complicated and important one, but with the amount of money at his disposal at present he was forced to give his attention first of all to those young people out of work whose parents themselves were a charge on the unemployment funds. Those parents who could afford to keep their children while they were out of work had to realise they had a responsibility in this direction, for it had to be remembered that the Unemployment Board’s funds were already strained to the utmost. The whole question of opening up avenues of wont for voting people was wrapped up m the capacity of the country to absorb its workpeople as a whole. Jhe apprenticeship question was ol importance. ami it was receiving attention, as also was the question ot providing

work in the country. The board had not lost sight of the problem of workless youths, but it had first ot nil to see to those whose parents could not help them. RATION CARD COMPLAINT CHRISTCHURCH, June 15. Complaints about the Unemployment Board’s ration card system were brought before the Benevolent Committee of the North Canterbury Hospital Board to-day by a deputation from the Relief Workers’ Union. The men urged that the system had not proved satisfactory, and suggested that the Government should be asked to hand over to the hospital boards the money for the distribution of relief rations. The committee said that until the end of this month it would grant charitable aid to men who had been refused rations and who were unable to support themselves. As to the case of single men who had refused to enter camps the board would consider on their merits applications for relief from these men.