Unemployment

Horowhenua Chronicle, 7 October 1931, Page 7

Unemployment

“In' spite of the most strenuoun efforts by the Government, the Unemployment Board, the local bodies and numerous social organisations, and the provision by the taxpayers of a huge sum of money to assist the unemployed, no substantial or satisfactory solution of the problem has yet been achieved. Everyone is agreed that no real progress will be made until the unemployed are engaged on reasonably ’ productive work, which will reflect itself in increased exports or increased local manufactures. “The Government is now engaged in an attempt to change over from the present policy to a new policy on the lines indicated above.' If it proves successful it should result in the gradual absorption of the unemployed in productive industry and ,in lessening the need for taxation, but in the meantime a position has been reached in which all the funds available , are strained to the utmost and are insufficient to cope with the immediate need of granting relief. “There is no margin of funds to enable the Government to change over from the old policy to the ' new. If the new scheme is to be tried out it appears as if the Minister in charge of unemployment will require temporarily some additional funds which-can only be got from additional taxation, as no further money can be obtained from the Consolidated Fund. “One of the main objects in l view is the use of the unemployed in preparing

land for settlement. Further particulars will be placed before the House as soon as possible.