UNEMPLOYMENT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16665, 25 September 1914, Page 9

UNEMPLOYMENT.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir.—l read in my paper this morning that the Government is prepared to subsidise work undertaken by local bodies with a view to the relief of the unemployed, but such work to be " for one common object." There are many proposals, but not a mention of the Town Hall. As a citizen and ratepayer of Christchurch, I would like to venture an opinion that the time is opportune, and the best way to utilise the funds available would be to build the Town Hall. Every big citv has its Town Hall, and the City Fathers so long aR fifty years ago marked out a site suitable for tho purpose. We are behind the times. Our city hires a hall or lias a temporary makeshift when any big affair js on. It will bo a great asset to the city when we get our Town Hall, and we are all anxious to hear when we are'going to"have one. We do not want to be put off with excuses as to funds if we can support a Patriotic Fund, Liverpool Fund, etc., why not an Unemployment' Fund, for it would benefit all concerned P The spirit of giving is in the air, and we should use all our forces to concentrate on this one- object to accomplish what we desire with a view also to help those who need it. The Council surely would encourage the scheme, also the local bodies, and the interest in the Town Hall would be mutual. The city organ has been long enough in furnished apartments, and should have a house of its own that will be a pride to our city and built with the people's money and the people's will. lam sure if publicity were given to the subject everyone would be willing to subscribe.—l am, etc., ADVANCE CHRISTCHURCH. St Albans, September 22.