SOCIAL WELFARE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 230, 27 August 1935, Page 9

SOCIAL WELFARE.

STATE’S PROGRAMME. NEW HOUSING SCHEME. Per Press Association. RANGIORA, Aug. 26. At the conclusion of his pre-sessional address this evening the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) gave a brief summary of the Government’s policy for the future. “We intend,” the Premier said, “to make a special effort in connection with tlio unemployment problem in the hope of putting it on to a sounder basis and we intend to take every possible step within our power to stimulate industry in order that a greater number of workers may be absorbed into the usual channels of employment. “So far as overseas trade is conearned, we are paying special. attention to improving the quality of our products and to exploring to the utmost every possibility of extending markets. As the country is aware, we have recently appointed a trade commissioner in Europe with headquarters at Brussels, and another in the United States of America with headquarters at Los Angeles. As opportunity offers, it is our intention to extend this representation to enable "us to take advantage of any improved international conditions and any relaxation of present trade restrictions that will enable us to widen our markets. “The question of housing is receiving our very careful attention, and while in the United Kingdom the Minister of Finance and I devoted a considerable amount of time to investigating the remarkable progress that is being made there in tliis matter,” continued Mr Forbes. “We collected a great deal of information as to tile action that is being taken bv the Government and by the municipalities for improving the conditions in ,tlie cities, and Mr Packwood, an engineer of the Public Works Department, who is at present in the Old Country, has been detailed to make a special survey of the position and to collect all possible information, particularly as to the class of building that is being erected and the cost of construction.

“We have also under examination many suggested schemes for improving the social conditions of our people, including the questions of social insurance, health insurance, and medical attention, together with many other matters for social betterment,” added the Premier.