UNEMPLOYMENT

Evening Star, Issue 22773, 7 October 1937, Page 15

UNEMPLOYMENT

NATIONAL WORKERS’ MOVEMENT ?i . The general meeting of the Dunedin branch of the National Unemployed Workers’ Movement was field in the Trades Hall on Tuesday evening, Gr M. Silverstone (president) presided over a large attendance of members. Correspondence was read and received and dealt with from Hon. H. T. Armstrong, Minister of Labour, town clerk, Dunedin, 4YA Broadcasting fetation, certifying officer. Labour Department, Lawrence N.U.W.M., and various other organisations. Tho organising report showed that 12 new members had joined, two had rejoined, and 28 had received full-time work. The secretary also reported that he hod attended all ballots in regard to men being placed on rotational work, and that 69 men had been placed on various jobs in Dunedin during the last fortnight. He had also taken up various complaints with the certifying officer, and interviewed Mr O. Stevens on behalf of men concerned in false statements. The concert organiser re-, ported that arrangements were in hand for the Sunday concert to be held in the Concert Chamber on October 24, and that a first-class programme had been arranged. Tho secretary reported that as the concert was solely for the aid of distress at Christmas time arrangements had been made with 4YA to broadcast the programme. The winners of the two 10s free groceries orders by ballot were Messrs Murchison and Sanders. A few complaints regarding wet weather payment, extra transport facilities for Flagstaff, shelter sheds, walking time for different jobs, reporting place for Chingford men in wet weather, etc., were left in the secretary’s hands to take np with the local bodies concerned. Tho following resolutions were carried : 1 “ That this organisation makes an urgent appeal to the Minister of Labour (Hon. H. T. Armstrong) for the inclusion of all fit single men and also class AX men—i.e., widowers with dependents—to participate in future ballots for rotational work.” “ That this meeting of tho Dunedin branch of the National Unemployed Workers’ Movement warmly congratulates the waterside workers upon their prompt and correct response to Japanese frightfulness, and is amazed at the attitude of the Prime. Minister in administering an unwarranted reproof to them.” “ That we place on record our highest respect for services rendered, and express our entire confidence in Cr M. Silverstone as president of the organisation.” “ That in accordanc with the constitution of the Federation of Labour regarding unemployed organisations, we request the Trades Council to take a ballot of all unemployed organisations within one month if possible so as to come to a filial decision on the matter.”

A collection was taken up on behalf of the Spanish medical aid fund.