UNEMPLOYED LEVY.

Inangahua Times, 4 July 1934, Page 3

UNEMPLOYED LEVY.

REDUCED TO 5/- QUARTER FOR RELIEF WORKERS. (Per United Press Assn.) WELLINGTON, Last NightTlie following statement was made by the Minister of Unemployment: Tine Government agreed to fill Mr. Jesrep’s position as Deputy Chairman lay appointing Mr. G. A. Pascoe. of

■Christchurch, who is Chairman of the Development Industries’ Board ard « Member of the Tariff Commission. The Board, at March 31st., hud a credit balance of approximately £414, 000 and, in pursuance of its policy to seek out additional avenues of employ ment, particularly in industries, the Board decided to set aside £250,000 to be used in assisting in development of new industries for the current year.

It is also proposed to give immediate xelief to the unemployed in the matter of the levy payments ana as from md including the payment due on August Ist., relief workers’ payment ■will be reduced to 1/- a quarter. This reduction involves about £35,000 sterling for the full year. The Minister mentioned that during the last two years, the Board assisted liberally in the Kauri gum and flax industries. The flax industry still presents difficulties, but in -the Kauri gum industry there appears to Tie seme prospect of success. Steps are mow Deing taken to make the gam digging industry again remunerative. Arrangements are at present under „ ay to investigate the possibilities of the steel and iron industry in New Zealand If this is found to he practicable and a reasonably economic undertaking it will be of great assistance to -b» position in the Itominion.