SELF HELP MOVE

Grey River Argus, 14 May 1935, Page 4

SELF HELP MOVE

Reefton Unemployed PROSPECTING AND UNEMPLOYED ASSOCIATION (Our Own Correspondent.) RREFTON, May 13. At Reef-ton a Prospecting and Unemployed Workers’ Association was formed on Saturday, at a well-attended meeting of subsidised prospectors aud unemployed workers. A deputation who had interviewed the Minister of Employment, reported Mr Smith replied that gum-boots and blankets would be made available for the men, and there was a possibility of oilskins being also granted. The following officers were elected: President: Mr I>. Salmon; Secretary, Mr T. McKenzie; Treasurer, Mr F. Seawright (County Councillor); Local Committee, Messrs J. Menzies, A. Ecklund, D. Hamill and F. Absalom. Representatives of County districts on Committee: Antonio’s Flat, Mr . Bvrne; Murray Creek. Mr IV. Patterffin; Golden Point, Mr F. King and Maori Gully, Mr R. Henderson. It V.l-.S decided that the No. 5 Scheme workers elect a representative to the Committee. It was resolved that the Committe meet once a week, and that general meetings be held monthly. A vote of thanks w passed to Messrs D. Hamill and 11. F. Sutton for their work ou the deputation to the Minist-

The plight of two young prospectors, who had been burnt out recently, was placed before the meeting, and it was decided that a deputation wait upon the Hospital Board and ask for their assistance. It was duly carried that the Association take over the books and funds of the Unemployed Workers’ Union. In a statement issued after the meeting, the Secretary stated that the aims of the Association were to work and help themselves during the winter time, and make themselves as self-supporting as possible. It must b? understood, however, that this organisation was vastly different from any other unemployed movement started in Reefton, it was not on a cadging expedition. Donations of money or goods would be gladly received, but no one would be asked to give. The Association was certain that if they showed the people of Inangahua that they are running a genuine business with a view to supporting themselves) then it would be an incentive of the people to heln -hem. Care had been taken in theffinancial side. Or. F. Seawright had willingly accepted the position of treasurer to the Association. •■i must add.” said the Secretary, “that if any person or persons, who go around the people of Reefton or surrounding o.s’tricts, canvassing for money or goods they do so without our authority/ It is a practice that we -trough’ discountenance. Every penny received will be duly acknowledged in the papers and a balance sheet in detail ’will be published from time to time. The social aspect has not been disregarded. This is one of the avenue? of revenue we intend to use. Evenings for the entertainment of members and their families will be held and the public may attend if they so desire. No subscription is charged for membership and no ea.-’li will be issued to any member when the time arrives for the distribution of benefits. Orders will be issued by the Treasurer. Each case will be dealt with on its merits, anl all business people in the town will receive an equal share of the Association's business. The people of Reefton can rest assured that the Association is genuine and any questions relating to it will be gladly answered. we expect help from others if we did not help ourselves?”