APPEAL FOR WORK.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 11, 10 December 1937, Page 2

APPEAL FOR WORK.

CHRISTMAS AND THE UN--1 EMPLOYED. “The State Placement Service, recognising- the number of men in New Zealand “whose sole source of income consists of the sustenance provided by the Employment Promotion Fund, and believing that a workless Christmas must be largely a worthless Christmas, has launched a drive to obtain at least one day’s work for every unemployed man on the register between now and Christmas Day,” states the Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford), in a letter to. the “Standard.” “The figures I have been given show that since the beginning of this year 1855 positions have been found in private employment in Palmerston North. These are significant figures, and for them the Placement Service deserves the thanks of the community. The Government Has recently made provision for the full-time employment of all physically fit men on rotational work under Scheme No. 13. There are, however, a number of semi-fit men who are capable of performing work of short duration but not capable of sustained effort over a long period. It is for these men that help is now solicited. “I am informed that if it were practicable for one person in every 150 in Palmerston North to find a job for an unemployed man between now and Christmas Eve there would be no unemployed in the city at Christmas. This may sound ambitious, but it is surely not beyond the capabilities of the residents of Palmerston North. “I am pleased to give this movement my support,” says Mr Mansford, “and l commend it to the wholehearted co-operation of the citizens of Palmerston North. The provision of work for even a Say or two will mean to. our unfortunate fellow-citizens the means to provide some little extra delicacy for the Christmas dinner table, or some of the toys and other little gifts so appreciated by children at this season. Much can be, and is being, done by the generous gifts of our citizens, but what is that compared to the feeling that ‘Father’ has provided these things by the iruils of liis own labours. “A special concession has been granted in respect of employment under this scheme —no deduction will be made from the relief provided from the Employment Promotion Fund on account of the earnings of any men for whom work is provided. This means that the whole of the wages earned will be available as a definite addition to the usual ration of relief. “If any resident has a job that needs to be done before the holidays — and there must be many areas in Palmerston North that need clearing up at this time of.the year—may I appeal to you to call and see the Placement Officer, Coronation Building, Broadway, or to give him a ring (phone No. 5906): “With all the sincerity at my command, I endorse the appeal the Placement Office is launching, and, as a personal matter, I would ask all citizens to strain every endeavour so to co-operate as to bring to families which otherwise might spend a cheerless Christmas a , message of practical goodwill for the festive )season, and hope for the dawn of a more prosperous New Year.”