CHRISTMAS RELIEF

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXI, Issue 304, 8 December 1931, Page 8

CHRISTMAS RELIEF

ASSISTANCE FOR UNEMPLOYED IMMEDIATE STATEMENT PROMISED. DEPUTATION TO Mil. COATfiS. Auckland, Dec. 7. Au indication of the measure of assistance to be given the unemployed in the “tide over” Christmas period will be given immediately by the Kt. Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister in charge of unemployment. That promise was given by Mr Coates when replying in Auckland to representations made by a deputation of Auckland members of Parliament. Mr M. J. Savage led the deputation and it was the outcome of a meeting of members of Parliament with the unemployed on Friday. The position was going from bad to worse, particularly through the system of rationing. The main object of the deputation, said Mr Savage, was to see what there was in view, in the first place, to tide the men over the Christmas period; and, in the second place, to put them into permanent employment. Other members of the deputation also spoke. Mr Coates, in reply, first expressed his sincere appreciation of the spirit of co-operation shown by the members of the deputation. “It is agreed,” he said, “that the problem of unemployment is one that should occupy our best attention so that we may rende the greatest measure of assistance to those who are up against it. The best brains in the \ Id have been baffled in finding a solution of the problem, although I do not see that that is any reason why wo should not attempt to handle it.” Mr Coates emphasised the difficulty in which he was placed as to how fai ho was justified in pledging the funds of the Unemployment Board. It w’as most difficult to estimate the revenue upon which they could rely. The estimate was placed at £50,000, but actually that sum did not work out at that amount. “I hope to be able to say to the unemployment committee to-morrow what extra amount will be available to meet the position before the New Year,” said Mr Coates. Mr Parry: What about arrangements for after the New Year? Mr Coates: We have several industries under consideration and I hope within the next fortnight to be able to give a correct estimate of the extra men they will be able to absorb, both in primary and secondary industries. The problem of the youth is a very serious one. Through being out of work a youth might take the wrong turning for life. If the present position lasts it will bo a greater problem than finding work for men who are registered. Mr Savage repeated the offer for every assistance from the Labour Party, for which Mr Coates expressed his appreciation, stating that he would communicate with the deputation almost immediately.