LABOUR WORLD

Grey River Argus, 10 February 1928, Page 5

LABOUR WORLD

DOMINION’S UNEMPLOYED Premier’s Statement PROMISES IN THE MEANTIME. WELLINGTON, iebruarv 9. Thc Prime Aiiuistvr, today made a statement on the unemployed in Auckland. He states that the real figure-: are not yet ascertainable, bu’ that there are a large number of unemploy ed in Auckland is not denied, but there is reason to believe it lias not assumed such proportions as has been stated in some channels. To meet the situation, however, special works arc to be taken in hand by the Government and the Auckland City Council. He stated also that a comprehensive scheme of afforestation throughout New Zealand has also been prepared for this year, which will result in thc absorption of a large number of men, when the planting season commences. The Government is employing at the present time over 10,009 men on Public Works construction. Of that num her over 4.000 are employe*! in the Auckland District. Tn the meantime, all those who are in need of work are again requested to register their names at the district labour offices. Bribery Charges HOARE “NAMES THE MAN." .MINERS WANT ROYAL COM MIS' . SION. SYDNEY. Feb. 9. Air Buttenshaw, Acting Premier, has announced that the Council of the Min ers’ Federation has written him stating that in view of the fact that Air Haare had alleged that Air D. Cook, who claimed to be acting on behalf of Mr N. R. Kirk, who we understand is a director of the Stockton Borehole Col liery, had paid him considerable amounts from time to time to keep the mine continuously working, and that Air Hoare further alleges that Mr Cook by strong inference, implicated others as having received payments for such purposes, we ask the Ministry to appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into the charges.” Air Buttenshaw informed the Council that he would have to discuss th” mat ter with Cabinet before a Royal Commission could be appointed. INDUSTRIAL CONFERENCE. SYDNEY, Feb. 9. The Council of the Employers’ Federation of New South Wales has decid ed to co-operate with Mr Bruce in any approved scheme to bring about indus trial peace and order, with the aid of the Prime Minister. The Federation will call a conference of employers ami employees within the State. not like to see money spent on what might need altering later. There was also the question of having a good water supply. Cr J. O’Brien said he did not favour Cr Robertson’s suggestion to delay a conference till the end of the season. The time for the Council to me?t the Committee and Club, and discuss alien tions, was at once. The enclosure was certainly too small, and there wa» not enough seating, which, however, could be brought up to requirements for £2OO or £3OO, and then the baths wou’d be ns good as any in the country for present local requirements. Roofing was not needed, and it would be no great feat to make cubicles beneath the seating gallery, as at Hokitika. Baths It would be unwise to wait till the enthusiasts had made up their minds as to the final scheme, as they would net then be disposed to discuss alterations. The fences certainly were too close. Cr Williams agreed with Cr O Brien as to meeting the Club at once. Cr Kent moved that the Baths Committee’s report be approved. They had gone fully into the matter, and their recommendations were to be accepted. Cr Kitchingham said the Cour.***: had authorised the Committee to call tenders for removing the fence. The Engineer stated one tender had been received. Cr Kitchingham said the fence needed shifting for the carnivals. Afr Jones, engineer, had a plan for cubicles beneath the seats, and for seating 670 people. This work would make no call on the Council’s finances. They should ask for these plans, and if the Engineer approved of them, the work could bo carried out. Cr O’Brien said this work would have to wait till after March 31st. Cr Robertson said they might damp the enthusiasm of the Chib and others if they threw cold water on the scheme mentioned. The seating should be put in as soon as possible. The Council ha 1 talked for a couple of months, but had done little, and further conferences or discussions would get them nowhere. They should work on Air Jones’s plan. The Alayor said their plans should take in the future. Councillors wanted to become conversant with what was now proposed. Cr O’Brien said it was the Council who had to conduct the baths in the long run. Cr Kitchingham moved as an amendment that the Swimming Club be asked to submit a plan for the seating, etc, and that if the Engineer approved, the plan be carried out. Cr Perotti seconded. Cr O’Brien said that would prevent the Council as a whole conferring on the matter with the Club. Cr Williams added to his motion that the conference proposed be held at noon on Saturday. Cr Kitchingham’s amendment, on a division, was defeated, the mover, seconder (Cr Perotti) and the Mayor supporting it. The motion was then carried. t |