The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1935. A WAY OUT.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1935, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1935. A WAY OUT.

Refeiuung to tlie subject dealt with in this column yesterday, it will be recognised that stable improvement in regard to employment is the most pressing of internal problems. The Government has its duty to do in the matter. It has been responsible for a useful scheme to raise funds to succour the unemployed, but it is not enough that the duty should end there. There is the further obligation to see that the money so raised by very direct and general taxation is expended with some regard for wisdom, and in leading up to the ending of unemployment as a pressing national emergency.

We are inclined to think that this subject will loom very large in the coming general election if the issue is not being grappled with more effectively than is the case at present. This is the season of the year when there is a greater dearth of unemployment generally, but that is all the more, reason for greater activity to combat what is virtually a social evil. It is not sufficient that the Government should band over its task to a Board, and consider its duty discharged. The electors wil consider there is the further obligation to see that a policy of administration is devised to work a cure—or attempt it at least with the available expenditure. That there should be closer co-operation with the departments responsible for national development a.nd the Unemployment Board which has a large purse under its control, seems self-

evident. It would appeal* any dose intimacy is missing, but where manual labour is required in bulk, the Board should be ready to help with funds to supply the departments \or local bodies) with liberal subsidies. No doubt if districts had schemes of works involving a larger percentage ol labour. and financial assistance were available from the Board on a generous scale, many localities would lie prepared to help themselves by finding their share of the cost, A good deal has been done in this respect under the building scheme, and many are still being encouraged to build now with the aid of the Board’s subsidy. An extension of tin scheme on a more ,liberal scale for public works would play its part in creating work, and if the scale were varied to help, more distant parts, so that labour could be attracted from the congested centres, a double purpose would be served, and the Board’s liabilities decrease in the more populous quarters, whence come most of its difficulties at present. New Zealand has prospects which are undoubted, and it lias resources which ai*. of great value. The Dominion is fortunately placed and has a reputation which is respected. There should o*> no lack of confidence in the country nor its future. That being so, those responsible should plan for the future with boldness. The unemployment problem has been handled so tar with temerity—as il it were a passing phase?, and only the present is catered for. But to handle the present situation and all that it portends, a bolder policy is necessary, and planning, ahead for a series of extended works, the very nature of the bolder outlook would carry its lesson and impress on the public mind. There would be an immediate response to a bold progressive policy suggesting the idea, of ending, rather than mending, the present state of affairs. It is a case for courage. The Government took its courage in both hands when it imposed its economical policy on the people, and is very valour assured its acceptance. Now another situation has been created calling for like treatment, and by hold, c-urngoons action on co-operative lines it is possible for t|h(. departments working in conjunction with the Unemployment Board to achieve the desired miracle.