THE UNEMPLOYED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 219, 14 August 1928, Page 7

THE UNEMPLOYED.

DISCUSSION AT FOXTON.

(From Our Own Correspondent). FOXTON, Aug. 4. The question of the unemployed was discussed at tho mooting of tho. Borough Council. Tho Mayor (Mr M. E. Porreau) said that unemployment was a serious matter locally. It had been discussed by the Hospital Board and it was tho duty of tho council to consider tho matter. Able.bodied men wero asking for charitablo aid, which was forthcoming, but tho Hospital Board collected its rovenuo from tho ratepayers who had ultimately to foot tho bill. Ho suggested that tho Government bo asked to subsidise the flamillors in some way. There was a deadlock between tho employees and tho millers and something would have to bo done to bring about a settlement. _ Cr. Ross said that it was no use petitioning tho Government for a subsidy f or tho industry when the millers wore prepared to pay 13s 6d per day wages and the Government relief workers were receiving only from 10s to 12s 6d per day. The millers wore quito prepared to start tho mills if the men aecopted 13s 6d per day, and they would not make much profit if thoy did at the prico of hemp. It was useless tho oflicials of the union holding out for the old high wago when tho industry was going back in such a way. Cr. Walker said that tho officials of tho union wero opposed to breaking tho award, but ho thought tho men would bo well advised to accept tho millers’ offer and commence work, thereby relieving unemployment and helping the industry. Cr. Rand said that the millers gave no guarantee that tho mills would bo kept open if work was started. Tho men had suggested a sliding scalo of wages, but this the millers had refused to accept. The award had not been based on tho prico of hemp but on tho cost of living which iiad not altered since tho award was mado. Cr. Thompson said tho men would bo wise to return to work at tho wages offered, when tho price of hemp roso, tho matter could easily bo reviewed. Tho Mayor said that if tho sliding scale formed tho only trouble tho Government might assist in getting tho millers to accept it. Cr. Walker said that the millers could not bo compelled to accept the sliding scale. It was decided that tho council views with alarm tho deadlock existing between the flaxworkers and millers and, realising only too well the economic loss, to the board in particular, urges on both parties to approach tho controversy in an amicable spirit.