UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 September 1929, Page 5

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

WHAT GOVT. IS DOING

(Special to "Star.”)

WELLINGTON, Sept. 27.

; Detailed figures illustrative of the unemployment position were quoted in ■ the House to-night by Mr. Ransom. He showed that the number of men I engaged on forestry and public works j including local body employees on public works, had increased from 13,381 in September last year to 14,621 this month. Five thousand had been placed since April on Government works, while 2500 had left of their own accord. Government expenditure on relief works including subsidies paid to local bodies, during the financial year 1928 was £472,671. During 1929, it was £797,959 and during the five months ended August 31, 1929 it was £290,000. Since the Government assumed office in December last, authorities issued for the payment of subsidies totalled £131,613. The only places where unemployment could be regarded as very acute at present were Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Arrangements were being made for placing a further 200 men at Auckland, 20 at Napier, 50 at Wellington and 100 at Christchurch. He quoted statistics showing that on July 8, the number of unemployed registrations was 3,896, and on Sept. 26, 1929 it was 2,795, a decrease of 1101. The fact that there was a decline of 1000 registrations in two months could surely be accepted as an indication that unemployment in] the Dominion was not anything like as acute as it was several months ago. It was reasonable to suppose that the worst had been passed, and that as more avenues of employment were opened, the problem would very soon be solved. So far, he had not been able to find any indication that men were being attracted from Australia. While it might be considered that the Government had not moved as quickly as was desired in absorbing surplus labour, it had to be recognised L hat much of the work it was proposed 'o put in hand had first of all to receive, the authorisation of Parliament before it could be started. He believed that the railway extension work, it was proposed to put in hand, would afford much assistance. Then there was the land bill which made wonderful provision for employment of labour in : breaking in waste lands. The Government had other matters under con- !

sideration, -which would be of a productive nature. Replying to the debate, Sir J. Ward said that in five weeks he would solve the problem, and all the men capable of working would be absorbed.