STAND-DOWN WEEK

Northern Advocate, 10 August 1934, Page 4

STAND-DOWN WEEK

“A STUPID LETTER.”

THE DEPARTAIENTAL VIEW

OPTIONAL AERANGEAIENT POSSIBLE.

In common with other local bodies, the Whangarei County Council recently urged the abolition of standdown week in the Whangarei Hospital District.

The Alinister of Employment referred the matter to the Unemployment Board, and the following reply from the Commissioner was received today. “The expressions of opinion from your council are noted, and, in reply, I would advise that the Unemployment Board has no objection to the standdown week being eliminated, provided the present four-weekly allocation is so utilised as to give work and relief in every week.

“It is pointed out that the adoption of such an arrangement would not result in any pecuniary gain to the workers. It simply means that the monetary amount available over four weeks is spread evenly in each week in four, instead of in each of three weeks in four. However, the observance or otherwise of a stand-down week is an optional arrangement, and is purely a matter for local adjustment/ ’

The commissioner added that the allocation for AVhangarei was increased as from June last, and it was regretted that it was impossible to further increase the measure of assistance now being provided.

Mr H. C. Hemphill, County Clerk, said that the amount paid in Whangarei per man had not been increased, as might be inferred from the letter. The increase referred to was in the total allocation for the district.

The chairman characterised the letter as a stupid one, considering the importance of the subject. Cr. Elliott: “To spread the Avork available over the four weeks would place the men in a worse position, as it Avould debar them from obtaining casual employment in stand-doAvn week. ” The chairman: “We can take no action.”