LIVING CONDITIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 November 1936, Page 3

LIVING CONDITIONS

GOVT’S HOUSING SCHEME. [PEB PBESB ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, November 14.. . “Builders expect little benefit from the Government’s flow housing scheme;” states the annual report of the Wellington Builders’ and Contractors’ Union of Employers. “Notwithstanding the many representations made by the union, the Government is determined to proceed with the expenediture of public money in building joinery factories which we consider unnecessary.” ' The report stated that if contracts were called for in multiples of 20, this would prevent many small builders from undertaking such work. It was also pointed out that delay in proceeding with the scheme was retarding work in-the building industry. “Great difficulty has been experienced by the employers because of the irksome provisions contained in the apprenticeship laws.” the report added. “The decline in the number of apprentices- employed in skilled trades is a serious problem. The executive hopes that the Government will make amendments to the law. so that it will be easier for employers to employ and teach apprentices in the trade.”

MINISTER CLAIMS IMPROVEMENT. WELLINGTON, November 14. "We have passed legislation for the good ortho people, and broken all records in so doing,” said the Postmas-ter-General, the Hon. F. Jones, at a post and telegraph social function. “Our aim,” said the . Minister, “is to improve the general" living conditions of the people, and I think we can modestly claim to have done a great deal toward reaching that goal. Our task is not yet finished, but the proposed legislation will carry us even further toward our objective.” I Mr. Jones said that the Post Office Savings Bank returns now constituted a record. There was more money in circulation, but at the same time people were ralising the value of thrift. “Perhaps it is the thought that the air, navy, and ground defence forces are behind the Post Office Savings Bank, and that with such backing the bank would Tiardly be robbed that is inducing the people to: bank more,” concluded the Minister.