LABOUR MINISTRY

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 162, 10 June 1929, Page 8

LABOUR MINISTRY

3 P.M. EDITION

“WILL AVOID EXTRAVAGANCE.”

ENERGETIC HANDLING OF UNEMPLOYMENT.

(United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Received June 10, 12.50 p.m. RUGBY. Juno 9. Mr Ramsay MacDonald, the new Prime Minister, issued the following statement from the London station of the British Broadcasting Corporation yesterday evening:— “My colleagues and I have just returned from Windsor Castle, where we received the seals of office from the King. The Government is now, therefore, properly constituted, and I wish to take this early opportunity of thanking the country for the confidence it has placed in us. “Mr Thomas has been placed at the head of the organisation which will survey and tackle with energy tho most practical means of dealing with unemployment not only by relief works, but also by plans directed by the idea of national reconstruction. Those working with him will be specially concerned with this problem. “I have been sceptical of reducing within a year the figures of unemployment to what has been called normality, but everything that can be done will be done, and that as speedily as possible. “I cannot, of course, anticipate the terms of the King's Speech, which will be presented as soon as the new Parliament meets,” Mr MacDonald added. “While it will not be possible in the short time available before Parliament meets to study all the complexities ot laws like pensions, it is our intention to deal promptly with certain simple difficulties, such as those of the provisions made for widows. A good deal of this kind of work we shall try to do whilst the bigger things are developing. “We have come back from the election campaign just a little tired in body, and you will not grudge us a few days’ rest before we meet the House of Commons. The departments will be working with vigour during our absence, preparing material for us to labour on.

“I hope the nation will quietly and buoyantly go on with its task of industrial recovery and expansion. We shall be inviting representations of both sides—employers and the employed—in the essential industries to confer with us in special work for the good of our people. “We shall avoid extravagance. We shall regard the work of reconstruction as capital for future developments and better equipment.”

NEED FOR FRIENDLY DISCUSSIONS.

PREMIER TO VISIT GENEVA

(United Sorvice). Received June 10, 12.5 p.m

LONDON, June 10. In his broadcast speech, Mr MacDonald stated that lie realised the importance of disarmament and the need for friendly discussions and agreement with the United States and the other Powers. He hoped to make a short visit to Geneva for the next League Assembly.