Foxton’s Unemployment Problems

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6840, 22 April 1932, Page 9

Foxton’s Unemployment Problems

ALLOCATIONS FURTHER REDUCED From Our Own Correspondent. The Mayor (Mr. M. E. Ferreau) presided at the fortnightly meeting of the Foxton Unemployment Committee. Also present’were Messrs. W. Trueman (secretary), McKenzie (certifying officer), Barron, .T. Johnston, W. J. Ross, E. Owen and D. Ball. Apologies were received from Messrs. F. Shaw, J. K. Hornblow and G. F. Smith

Eleven additional applications for relief work were received from men who h: 1 been discharged on account of the restricted output from Ross, Rough and Company’s flaxmill. After each case had been considered separately, it was decided to reinstate all of the men on the No. 5 scheme after a standing-down period of 14 days. The certifying officer reported that the local weekly allocation, instead of being increased, had been further reduced from £.151 5/- to £l4O 9/-.

The Mayor stated that together with th,S secretary, he had that day ifttei-

viewed the member for the district (Mr. J. Linklater) and had placed the factfe concerning Foxton’s position before him. They had pointed out that Foxton, by reason of the fact that such a big percentage of its population were on relief work, was so very differently situated from Levin, Shannon or Feilding, which towns had been quoted by the Unemployment Board in comparison. The secretary pointed out that in addition to the fact that such a huge proportion of Foxton’s population wero unemployed, there were many local cases on the border-line. While these men were not actually eligible for relief, .it had to be remembered that they were in no way able to contribute towards any local relief fund, such as was being done in other towns. Mr. Ball: "We will have to have more money—that’s all about it.” Mr. Barron thought that Foxton’s position, if fully explained, must surely carry weight with the Board.. Mr. Trueman said the Board did not seem to bo able to recognise Foxton’s desperate position. Mr. Ball suggested that a deputation consisting of tho Mayor and two other members should wait upon tho Board and stress tho point. The, Mayor said that Mr. Linklater yealiaed that F os ton svas dUEfifc...

ently situated from other towns and had promised to immediately interview the Unemployment Board and point out to them the necessity for an additional grant. . The, secretary said that with the additional 11 men to cope with, the minimum additional amount required to give them rationed work would be £ls 10/- per week. Mr. Pcarrcau suggested that, an urgent telegram be sent to the Minister. Mr. Barron: "That, is what, we’ve been doing for months without, getting anv relief.” Mr. Trueman: "J.t seems to b 6 a. hopeless task.” After further discussion, however, it was resolved that a. telegram be sent to the Minister of Unemployment ,asking that in view of the 11 additional registrations, the sum of £l3 10/- be granted as additional relief immediately.