No. 5 SCHEME.

Franklin Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 20, 19 February 1934, Page 7

No. 5 SCHEME.

DRASTIC TIGHTENING UP.

SANCTION FOR NEW WORKS. Local bodies have been notified of a drastic tightening up of the conditions under which work may be done under the No. 5 scheme. The letter from the Commissioner of Employment stated: Ever since the institution of relief under scheme 5, which provides work through local bodies, it has been the intention of the Board that only works, other than maintenance, that would not otherwise be done, should be considered suitable for this method of employment. It now seems abundantly clear to the Board that this condition is not being given the measure of attention f o which it is entitled, whilst it must

be obvious to all local bodies and certifying officers that, if ordinary maintenance works or even developmental works that could be reasonably carried out under normal working conditions are undertaken as relief works under the provision of scheme 5 we shall never return to industrial normality. It is also clear that oftentimes undue importance is given to the locality of the work rather than to the value of the work With a view to obtaining the best results from the money expended on relief labour under scheme No. f>. and of returning.at the shortest possible period to ordinary industrial conditions, it has been decided to provide some supervision over the classes of works that may be undertaken under scheme a. It is therefore to he regarded as an instruction that before new works are put in hand as relief works under scheme 5, de-

tails of the proposed work should be forwarded to the certifying officer at Auckland for his approval. No refunds on wages expended on new works undertaken without approval of the certifying officer at Auckland will he made. You are also desired to furnish to the certifying officer at. Auckland details of all works at present being undertaken under scheme 5 in your district. The Board would appreciate your full co-operation :'n this direction.