UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 January 1931, Page 7

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

BOARD’S LIMITED POWERS

[PEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON, January 23. The unprecedented total of 14,875 unemployed were registered at the Labour Bureaux throughout the Dominion for the w r eek ended January 12. This was an increase of 3,527 on the previous week. The Chairman of the Unemployment Board has issued a statement that portion of its time has been taken up in receiving deputations from all over New Zealand and in dealing with appeals which the Board had not been authorised to grant. The Board is loath to refuse any request or to decline to meet deputations, but the organisation of schemes on a permanent basis for the benefit of the unemployed is a matter of so much urgency that it is hoped that only the s most vitally important matters will for the next few weeks be submitted to the Board. Incorrect ideas regarding the powers of the Board have led to exaggerated expectations by many individuals. There is a definite limit to the Board’s powers and resources, and the members have to deal with each case strictly on its merits, and with regard to the Board’s legal powers. Like all other organisations, the Board is compelled to live within its means. It is for this reason that a great number of the applications recently made to the Board have had to be declined. PARLIAMENTARY SESSION WESTPORT, January 24. Mr. H. E. Holland, Leader of the Labour Party, telegraphed this morning to Mr. Forbes, repeating the representations made by him to Mr. Ransom some time back, and urging that in view of the acuteness of the situation affecting finance and unemployment, Parliament be called together, without delay. Mr. Ransom’s reply to Mr. Holland’s previous wire was to the effect that the matter would be decided by Mr. Forbes on his return.

MR O’BRIEN’S TELEGRAM. The Mayor, Mr J. W. Greenslade, has received the following telegram from Mr J. O’Brien, M.P.:—lnterviewed Unemployment Board this morning (Friday). Agreed to make £lOO available immediately for No. 2 scheme, which is to be continued until end of February. Failing finding work, sustenance is to be paid out on February 21, and as soon as Local Committee have expended money available, application should be made to the Board for an amount necessary to place in employment those offering, and for whom employment can be found. Will report othei’ matters to you on Monday next. The Local Committee desire to impress upon any who are prepared to take advantage of the I£l for £1 subsidy offered by the Government in employing persons out of work, that until applications are received and granted, the men cannot o— ’nyed, and therefore the niCDi-.j ... ....nd cannot be expended. It is desirable that applications for grants, under the scheme, be made without delay, as the Committee now have funds available.