UNEMPLOYMENT BILL

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 July 1930, Page 12

UNEMPLOYMENT BILL

DEBATE CONTIN UED

[SPECIAL to “stab.”]

WELLINGTON, July 21.

The debate on the Unemployment Bill was continued in the House to-day. Mr Wilkinson said that it had been an error of judgment to offei’ men on relief works 14/- per day, as labour had been taken off farms, and the trouble had been accentuated. Arbitration Court awards tended to restrict employment. He ventured to predict that the Bill would be emasculated when it came,back from the Special Committee of Investigation.

Mr Harris defended the Reform Party from the charge that the Reform Government’s immigration policy was responsible for the unemployment difficulty. He estimated that, the total expenditure of the Unemployment Board each year would be £1,800,000, and unless the Budget disclosed reductions in othei’ directions, the burden on the people would be increased. The Government was not justified in piling up further taxation under the guise of unemployment relief.

Mr O’Brien said that the Reform Party was out to reduce wages and increase hours. The Government had promised to find work for all, but it had fallen down on its job. There were industries in New Zealand which could absorb all the unemployed in the country, provided they were given sufficient encouragement, and he men. tioned particularly the timber industry, which could use another 4000 men.

Mr Dickie said he did not agree with sustenance payments. Unemployment to-day was largely due to the' inflexibility of Arbitration Court awards. It was a mistake for the Government. to bolster up inefficient industries with subsidies. Mr Lye said that he did not agree with all the clauses of the Bill, but he thought it was an honest attempt to deal with the situation. Arbitration Court awards were hampering industry. Mr Chapman said that the fundamental cause of unemployment was the capitalist system. He favoured a graduated surtax on incomes over £4OO. The debate was adjourned..