MARRIED MEN’S CAMPS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 May 1933, Page 8

MARRIED MEN’S CAMPS.

FULL TIME WORK FOR WINTER * TEN SHILLINGS A DAY AUCKLAND, May 17. As part of the Unemployment Board’s winter relief plans there will shortly be considered the question of drafting city married -men in small groups, to country camps conducted by the Public Works Department, at which fhll time employment, with wages based on the 2'ate of 10s a day, 'in be available. An appeal for Auckland’s co-opera-tion in the scheme was made by the Minister of Employment (the Hon. A. Hamilton), who said that it was essential that the load or relief carried by the cities should be lightened during the winter so that tne condition of the Unemployment Fund should not be imperilled" and in order that casual work in the cities might roach a larger number of men. ‘'The advantage of the small group idea, ’ ’ said ' Mr. Hamilton, ‘‘ is that men are easily transported from one wprk to another. In the north there are many opportunities and, with the prospect of full-time employment, it should appeal to married men from the cities.” The Minister explained that payment was to be made on the piecework system, based on wages at the rate of 10s a day, enabling men. to earn £3 a weex. As no rent payment would have to be met the only outgoings on the part of the men would be for foodstuffs. •Statistics governing such camp undertakings showed that the average “keep” worked out at 9s per man per week. In addition, returns recently taken out showed that, in Public Works camps in the Auckland province over a lengthy period, an average weekly wage of £3 was earned in many cases, while in only on instance ,was the average below £2 15s. ‘‘These wages are more than those earned by workers under the No. 8 scheme,” said the Minister, ‘‘and I sincerely trust that in the manning of these Public Works camps there will be good response from the married men in Auckland. ”s Building Subsidy. Referring to other proposals for assisting the unemployed during the winter, the: Minister confirmed the statement that it w*as intended to revive the building subsidy of No. 10 scheme for the period of the winter, The] purpose was to stimulate .the building industry which, when operating normally, was responsible for the payment of a substantial wage bill. This jmar the No. 10 scheme would be placed on a different basis from the in operation last year. Previous experience had brought to light one or two difficulties, particularly those of the small contractor, and on this occasion the Unemployment Board was endeavouring to overcome theni. 1

Before announcing details, Mr. Hamilton said, it was hoped that, in view of the steps taken by the board and Government to provide for unemployment relief, the total registrations during the winter not greatly exceed the peak figure reached last year. Notwithstanding criticism, No. 5. scheme was filling a useful purpose and absorbing large numbers of men, while with the extension of the Public Works camps scheme, and the revival of the building subsidy scheme more men were being reabsorbed. On present indications, bearing in mind the slight improvement noted in overseas prices, the outlook generally was hopeful.

Southland Strikers Returning , INVERCARGILL, Last Night. Although a definite decision had not been reached this evening by the 19 Kapuka relief workers permitted to return to camp it is probable that they will resume work shortly. The assistant engineer of Public Works is adhering to his decison that the remaning seven shall not be allowed to return.