WORK FOR UNEMPLOYED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 19 June 1926, Page 6

WORK FOR UNEMPLOYED

PROPOSALS BY CITY ENGINEER In order io deal with unemployment the City Engineer (Air J. G. Littlejohn) submitted the following proposals to the Council last evening:— There are a number of loan works which might he proceeded with hut I would hesitate to put. on men without proper supervision. Tt is probable too that some of the men in need of work are unfit for tlie class of work offering ami it would he unreasonable that they should expect full wages. It is unlikely too that J.liosn in need of work are possessed of. or in a position to buy or to hire, the tools and plant necessary for the expeditions and economical carrying out of the work, flor is it to he expected that Hie Council can ipcrease its plant beyond the requirements of its ordinary stall. As an alternative to day work I would suggest small contracts the price to he based on a schedule rate per cubic yard or other suitable unit of measurement. The works which could he gone oi> with in this way are:— (1) Regrading Washington ValDy hill. This work should jnoperly he done to a large extent with plough and scoop but it can he (lone by straightforward pick and shovel work. As it will mean a temporary closing of the road to traffic it is important that it should he pushed through ns expeditiously ns possible. (2) Formation of -footpath Alfred street. The work consists of cutting down a hank to footjiatli level and depositing the spoil on tlie opposite side of tlie street formation so as to widen it. I suggest three contracts. This is purely pick and shovel job with wheelbarrows to shift the spoil, J contracts. (3) Filling in and levelling King's Acre. Mrs Horton’s land recently purchased by the Council to form part of this recreation ground, lias a large quantity of soil oil it which should not be covered up but should he striped off and stacked before any filling up is done. It could all he shifted . with * harrows. I suggest 4 or f> contracts. (4) Formation of footpath Einano street. This work is similar to No. 2 except that very little spoil would have to he moved.

(f>) Formation Britannia Heights. About 10 chains. This is all hand work. As to conditions of contract I would suggest as follows:—The work should he measured up and the quantities determined by the Engineer and the lump sum value of the work assessed at a schedule rate to he fixed by the Engineer. Progress payments shall be made fortnightly for the total amount of work completed. No payment, to he made for any unnecessary excavation beyond the linos or levels of the work. All measurements for quantity to he measured in the solid. No time limit, contractors deposits, shovels and wheel* harrows with the right to deduct from any moneys due to the contractor, the value of any tools or plant lost or damaged, fair wear and tear expected. 'The work to he carried out in all things to the satisfaction of the Engineer. ‘ Air Harley suggested that as unemployment would be more acute about August, the smaller works should be gone on with at present. He added that the Poppy Day fund would be available to the Council this year on the same basis as last, and the amount would he about the same. 'The Engineer was instructed to go on with works 2,4, anil 5. He said about 20 men had sought- employment lately. Cr. Gibbs thought that - preference of employment should be given to residents—or at least those who had been here for some months; otherwise we would get the overflow from other cities. Tt- was agreed that local residents should he given preference.