LABOUR SUBSIDY PLAN

Grey River Argus, 11 February 1938, Page 10

LABOUR SUBSIDY PLAN

IN TARANAKI. Many important undertakings which have been made possible through subsidised labour are to be continued as a result of the decision of the Minister of Labour, th’e Hon. H. T. Armstrong, to extend the No. 13 scheme. Instituted by the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, some time ago, many local - bodies have not only been able to use the scheme to assist them with useful works, but they have also been able to give employment to a large number bi men who were previously on sustenance. Local bodies in Taranaki have found the scheme very helpful and at Stratford the Borough Council has employed some 20 men over a period of months. Under the original arrangements they would have had to revert to sustenance as from last Monday, but as a result of Representations which were made to the Minister of Labour by Mr. A. L. Ogilvy, secretary of the Stratford L.R.C., they will ba employed for a further period, which may be extended if the borough council sees fit to do so. It is highly probable that the work will be continued for not only is the work important but the Department of Labour has pointed out in a circular to the coun- » cil that where an additional authority is needed to meet the cost of continuing existing works, it may be assumed that this authority will be granted and work should not be held up on that account. It was to be hoped that the borough council would continue its weekly subsidy for this class of labour, Mr. Ogil vy informed “The Standard,” since very useful work was being done. Mr. Ogilvy also pointed out that the Minister in a letter had stated that it had been agreed to extend the period of employment until at least March 31. In the Stratford County Council another fifteen men are affected, and the county engineer, Mr. J. W. Spencer, has stated that as a result of the extension it would now be possible to complete work on an important overhead bridge. Local bodies generally are affected by the Minister’s decision. The ex tent of the period for which the scheme will be continued will depend to a large degree on the result of a survey which will be carried out in each district over the next month or so. In the meantime, however, all works are to be continued.