LABOUR COUNCIL AND UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF.

Evening Star, Issue 22033, 20 May 1935, Page 12

LABOUR COUNCIL AND UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF.

TO THE EDITOE. Sir, —There is an old saying, “Save ■me from my friends.” In conversation with an unemployed man a few days ago I asked him how the unemployed would fare seeing that a Labour .council was in power His reply was to the effect that as Labour had won the day for the time being on promises only, these had to be fulfilled before any relief could be obtained. Whatever relief came, however, there would always her" rocks ahead ” while one was on the dole, as, 110 matter what Labour might do to help financially, the whole situation was at the mercy of the Unemployment Board. . If Labour interfered with the affairs of relief as laid down, disaster lay ahead, and the whole position might easily be wrecked. He said that at present there appeared to.be unfortunately a tendency among relief men to' think that they were on what is termed the “pig’s back,” The gangers and those in authority would no longer .have any power, and the result would be, a general slackening of work all round. If these are the sentiments of the unemployed, danger lies ahead. The whole position is controlled by the Unemployment Board, and every man on is merely lent by that hoard, Vhich decides whether n man shall be given relief, or not. There is also a clause in ’the Act whereby every council shall see that » fair day’s work shall be given and also supervision kept on the same basis as that of any corporation employee. If, on the other hand, a'Labour council encourages insubordination. and decides that relief work shall be deemed a picnic, and complaint is made to the Unemployment Board, every man is liable to be stood down, all relief lo'st, and the position intensified. It might, 'therefore, be wise for our Labour Council to read the Act explaining why men on relief are given work. Also I will venture to say that the Unemployment Board will watch carefully the doings of Labour councils. A lesson should also be learned from the past St. Kilda Council—a Labour council, too—which would not find work for relief men, resulting in the Unemployment Board taking every man off work and placing them on sustenance. The defeat or this Labour council was predicted, and took place. . . ' My*advjce to the hew Labour Council i> to look carefully before it leaps. Every man who offends must be disciplined, and if the Labour Council refuses to do it, then tiie board will certainly do it, and all the power that can be brought will not make any difference. It must be evident, then, that caution is needed. If not, relief men will suffer collectively or individually, and the Laboqr policy will sign its own (death warrant before the General Election this year. I have always contended that a Labour ■ opposition fairly strong iu number does good at times, but it remains to be seen how its members will conduct themselves when given power. I saw an example of Labour’s control in Australia a few years ago, and this put Australia back many millions of pounds, thanks to the Lang Government. Again, what was the result of the Labour Council in Christchurch ? All we know is that it was put out of power. There must be a reason. I have myself served .on various boards, and can honestly say that if Labour members cannot- do any harm they never seem to do much good beyond making promises. Personally, I wish them success, but I merely warn our newly-elected Labour Council, 1 not to gamble with administration, hut. instead, listen to those engaged in administrative work. It is better to help than to interfere sometimes.- In conclusion, the story, of the wise old owl is worth bearing in mind.—l am, etc., Looking Ahead. May 20.