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Hokitika Guardian, 2 October 1929, Page 4

The political situation has been made interesting over last week’s week-end announcement by the Prime Minister that within five weeks’ time employment would be found for every ablebodied man willing to work. Sir Joseph Ward was not more explicit than making the hare'announcement, and the greatest curiosity has been aroused in consequence. It is well-known that the land settlement and public works schemes will be part of the proposal for general employment, but legislation has still to be put through on account of both before the complete organisation can be considered arranged. It is clear however, that the Government does not intend to shirk its duty in this matter, and'if Parliament can be speeded up, there is the possibility of Sir Joseph’s promise being fulfilled. The roading and railway works in mind will no doubt absorb considerable labour. The Highways Board will have authority now for considerable expenditure, and if surveys and preliminaries can 'be arranged betimes, there should be openings for many men on the various large undertakings which have been proposed. In respect to railway works a start has been made preparing for the South Island line, and workmen’s camps are being established. In regard to utilising labour lo break in country for land settlement, there will be plenty of work offering if the Government legislation is approved. On that score, Mr Holland, following the announcement by ■Sir Joseph promised the full support ; o.f the Labour party to enable, the government to secure the Parliamentary authority for the works in mind. This attitude is to be commended, because unemployment is the most serious drawback at the moment to national progress. In providing work for all -willing workers the Government-not only fulfills a promise of the hustings but meets a situation which governs the prosperity of the country. The proposals require fo be on sound lines, and care must be taken not to deplete labour from the legitimate channels of production. This is ' the season of the year when there is a wider demand for labour, and that means for useful eraplaynient should not he jeopardised. The Prime Minister sprang a real surprise on Parliament with his defini'e announcement, and so much pleasure was expressed at the prospect of brighter times, mat what is proposed to give affect to the promise should have the best s'ipnort of members. As one speaker said, Sir Joseph’s declaration replaced despair with hope in the minds of the unemployed. The achievement will be all for the good of thd Dominion.