Foxton

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6789, 22 February 1932, Page 3

Foxton

INCREASED DEMAND TOR ELECTRICITY. From Our Own Correspondent, The steady increase in the demand for electricity in the district was shown at the monthly meeting of the Ilorowhenua Electric Power Board, in a statement presented by the engineer (Mr. J. A. Smith). During the month, five applications were received from new consumers and 14 for extensions to existing installations, included in which were, two water-heaters, two separators, 1 industrial, and a SO h.p. temporary motor. Seven new consumers and 24 extensions were connected, including two Tanges, live water-heaters, and six industrial motors, making an increase of (54,722 k.w.

Tho number of industrial motors connected in tho district is 481, milking motors 744, heating points 3932, ranges 543, water-heaters 939.

RELIEF WORK OR CHARITABLE

A considerable discussion ensued at tho fortnightly meeting of tho Foxton Unemployment Committee concerning the imposition of a residential qualification upon those applying for: relief work in Foxton.

Mr. J. K. Hornblow strongly questioned ,thc action of the committee in debarring a man from obtaining employment unless resident within the district for a given period before making application. The scheme, he contended, was a national one and was only for those in actual need. He asked the chairman (Mr. M. E. Pcrreau) whether the committee had any statutory power to debar a man from obtaining relief on the grounds that he was not a resident of tho committee’s district. Referring to a case then under consideration, where a man had previously been working at Oroua Downs and becoming unemployed had since shifted with his wife and family to Foxton, Mr. Hornblow said that in such cases, if a man was not given work ho would, in order to live, have to bo carried on by the Hospital Board, which meant that the ratepayers would be called upon to f pay. Ho contended that tho National Unemployment Fund was set up to provide for cases such as these. Mr. D. Ball:,“So it is.” Mr. Shaw (assistant-secretary) said lie realised that it was a national scheme, but at the same time it. was the duty of tho committee to look after the regular residents of Foxton. Some local residents had gone away to other places and these had been unable to obtain relief work on the same grounds. Mr. Hornblow pointed out that Oroua Downs was in tho Foxton district even though it were outside the committee’s boundary.

Mr. Trueman (secretary) read a reply previously received from the Unemployment Board in which it was stated that the matter of imposing restrictions was at the discretion of the committee.

Mr. Hornblow (perusing the regulations) said that it was stated clearly: that the scheme was for the relief ofl usual wage-earners. He still orj that tho scheme was a national one and thought the action of the committee was most extraordinary. It was evident that they had power to review individual cases. If they were dealing with an influx of 50 or 60 it would be a different matter.

On the motion of Mr. Dawson it was then resolved on a show of hands that the applicant in quest ion he stood down in accordanco with the restrictions previously imposed.

Subsequently Mr. Barron, in accordance with his notice of motion givon at the last meeting, moved to rescind a previous motion imposing a residential qualification of one month. This was carried. He then moved that a residen-

tial clause of 3 months be imposed on all thoso making application for relief work in Foxton.

After further discussion this was also carried, Messrs. Hornblow and Ball voting against.