UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

Evening Star, Issue 21138, 25 June 1932, Page 17

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

THE £3.600,000 LEVIED NOT ENOUGH MAY HAVE TO ASK FOR MORE [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 24. A statement that extra financial provision to the extent of £16,000 a week was being made by the Government to deal with the unemployment position during the coming winter months was made by the Minister of Employment (Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) during a speech at the Reform Club. In emphasising the growing seriousness of the position Mr Coates said that, were it necessary, he would not hesitate to call upon the taxpayers to provide additional funds. Outlining the work already accomplished by the Government in tho direction of providing employment, ho said that from 35,000 to 40,000 persons had been moved into the country, where their work ultimately would be of benefit to New Zealand as a whole. It had been urged repeatedly that one of the ways of meeting New Zealand’s problems was by means of a “ back to the land ” movement. That this was already in being was shown by the fact that within the past five months 27,000 placements on the land had been made under one scheme alone. “ We should not be lacking in sympathy for those who are out of employment when they find fault with what is being done and what we are trying to do,” Mr Coates continued. “ Their plight is a very real one, and their outlook is extremely difficult. They are sound at heart, and personally I am emphatic in saying that it is our duty to do our very utmost, not merely to provide them in a niggardly fashion with the barest means of sustenance, but to assist them to the fullest extent of our ability. Woe betide those who would threaten to pull down the institutions upon which our future prosperity depends. But to those who are trying and to those who are assisting them in their battle against adverse circumstances I say ‘ Carry on.’ To those on the land I say frankly that the country cannot much longer stand up to tho present exporting conditions, but we must brace ourselves and we will win through.” ■ In making provision for unemployment relief, continued Mr Coates, the Government had set about securing £3,600,000 from taxation. It had now found, however, that it was impossible to get through on that amount. While he hoped that he would not have to ask for more, if he thought it right and necessary that more should be provided ho would not hesitate to ask the taxpayers to stand up to it. For the present it had been decided to increase the amount set aside to an extent that would enable the spending of another £16,000 a week, at least during the next three months. Those who were in need could take comfort from the fact that for the period mentioned this extra money would be available.

WORKERS' RELIEF DEPOT

Yesterday from 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon and again from 2 p.m. till 4.30 p.m. the doors of the Blacket lane depot were open, when close on 250 members were served with meat, vegetables, and groceries. The work of distribution was carried out by the volunteer staff in a most expeditious manner.

WOMEN'S COMMITTEE

The Women’s Unemployment Committee held its weekly meeting in the Town Hall, there being a good attendance.

In addition to the securing of regular work, the Women’s Unemployment Committee has commenced a scheme whereby those in the most necessitous position while waiting for employment are able to better equip themselves lor work when it comes. These classes are held in well-quipped spacious rooms above Hannah’s Buildings. In one class the rudiments of household management and cooking are taught with the opportunity of practically testing out this newly-acquired knowledge. In another class the rudiments of dressmaking and the opportunity of making one’s own clothes is given. As well as free tuition free meals are provided, not only for the participants, but for those in need, and for the girl’s two and a-half days’ work she is paid the equivalent of half a week’s work in a household job. Before help can bo given to a single girl registration for work is essential. Various methods for securing more work for girls have been tried both throughout the city and the country districts with a quite reasonable amount of success.

SINGLE MEN'S RELIEF GAMP

It is proposed to open a single men’s relief camp on the Titri-Taieri Mouth road. Any single relief workers willing to go forward should apply at the employment bureau at the Town Hall.

WORKERS’ MOVEMENT

The usual weekly meeting of the women’s branch of the Unemployed Workers’ Movement was held in the Tabernacle Hall, King street, on Tuesday last. Mrs Parke presided over a large attendance. The necessity of solidifying the organisation was greatly stressed. Various methods were suggested to dispel the apathy and indifference of unemployed women and relief Workers’ wives towards the movement. Messrs Braithwaite and Geddes, of the men’s branch, addressed the meeting. it was unanimously agreed to send the following resolution to the Minister of Justice:—“ That this meeting emphatically protests against the severe sentences imposed on the printers and publishers of the ‘ Bed Worker.’ The sentence in our opinion is a gross miscarriage of justice and an attempt to suppress freedom of thought and speech.”

ALLOCATION OF WORK

Groups will report for work on Monday, June 27, as under:— St. Kilda Borough Council, Defence Department, Ocean Beach Domain, Otago Harbour Board, Taiori Biver Trust, and D.C.C. tramways department: Sec weekly timetable.

Otago Education Board.—Sec weekly timetable for Pine Hill. See special instructions for groups 261, 279, and 281. New Zealand Bailways Department. —Group 210 leaves Cavershara station

by 7.20 a.m. train for Mosgiel. Other groups as usual. D.C.C. Reserves Department.—B a.m., at lower Gardens: Groups CO4, GOB, 507, 509, 514, 515, 516, 217, 225, 320, and 359; 8 a.m., at Convalescent Home, Forbury Corner, group 222; 8 a.m., at Anderson’s Bay Cemetery, group 271; 8 a.m., at Montecillo Football Ground, group 264; 8 a.m., at Logan Park, the men of 508 who reported at this job last week; 8 a.m., at The Clear. Maori Hill, the remainder of group' 508. Education Board.—Group 279: At Kaikorai School, Monday, June 27, at 8 a.m., W. G. Angell. At North-east Valley School, Monday, June 27, at 8 a.m., A. D. Reed, A. H. Williams, and P. Robb. At Mornington School, Monday, June 27, at 8 a.m., J. M'Cormack and E. Griffin. At Wakari School Monday, June 27, at 8 a.m., J. Jackson. At Pine Hill, Wednesday, June 29, at 12.30 p.m., balance of group. Group 261: At Caversham School, .Jdonday, Juno 27, at 8 a.m., W. H. Alen, E. J. G. Andrews, D. M. M. Caddie, F. Little, and J. D. Oursey. At Tainui School, Monday, Juno 27, at 8 a.m., P. A. Ireland, C. C. Marsh, J. Mercer, and J. Murdoch. At Macandrew Road School, Monday, Juno 27, at 8 a.m., P. M. Campbell and J. Wilson. At Caversham School, Wednesday, June 29, at 12.30 p.m., C. M. Watson, S. A. Walters, H. T. Walker, T. G. Thompson, and J. D. Callaghan. At Tainui, Wednesday, June 29, at 12.30 p.m., balance of group. Group 281: At Anderson’s Bay School, Monday, June 27, at 8 a.m., G. M. Chisholm, C. Coates, W. Collett, P. C. Earland, and H. G. Earley. At Anderson’s Bay School, AVednesday, Juno 29, at 12.30 p.m., balance of group. W. 3 DISTRICT DEPOT Since the first representative meeting of Dunedin Central No. 3 District Depot the large Executive Committee and the various sub-committees of ladies have almost completed the preliminary organising work, and arrangements have been made For officers of the depot to attend at Dowling street (downstairs) on Tuesday of next week, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of receiving clothing and footwear. As the supplies of material available or the wherewithal! to procure them depend altogether upon the generosity of the public, it is hoped that the immediate requirements will be quickly mot by voluntary givers. It is anticipated that this district’s share of the commercial travellers’ drive next month will considerably augment the supply. Donations in cash are being received by the treasurer, Mr Alexander Martin, 91a Princes street.

FIOSLYH RELIEF DEPOT The Bosl.vn Unemployed Belief Committee held its first sale of clothing, footwear, and bedding yesterday afternoon. The residents of Boslyn, Kaikorni, Maori Hill, and Wakari bad forwarded generous donations of goods to be sold, and all classes offering were in good demand. It was very evident that there is an urgent need for men’s strong working boots, trousers, and underclothing, as well as children’s clothes and fuel. The committee wishes to make it more generally known that each case is dealt with on its merits, after careful and sympathetic investigation, the facts of each case being recorded. The success of the initial effort was due to the enthusiasm and ability of those who organised and conducted the sale. It is intended to hold regular weekly sales on Friday afternoons between 2.30 and 4.30.