UNEMPLOYMENT BOARD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 1 February 1936, Page 2

UNEMPLOYMENT BOARD

ALTERATIONS TO CONSTITUTION \ ANNOUNCEMENT BY MINISTER Alterations to the constitution of the Unemployment Board and changes in the general regulations governing the unemployment position will probably be announced in a few days, said the Minister of Employment (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong) in an interview in Christchurch (states the “Star-Sun”). In stating that he hoped to make such an announcement as soon as possible Mr Armstrong, who also holds the portfolio of Labour, declared that he had always felt that the Labour Department was ideally suited to the control of unemployment matters and should have taken control. It was his aim to co-ordinate the Labour and Unemployment Departments to the best advantage. %

Those who had been connected with the administration of unemployment affairs in the past had been doing useful work and could well be fitted into the reorganised machinery for dealing with the problems of the unemployed. When asked whether the Unemployment Board would definitely be abolished Mr Armstrong repeated his declaration that the constitution would be altered and that he hoped to co-ordin-ate the activities of the Labour Department and those engaged in the administration of unemployment. “As far as unemployment is concerned it is a gigantic problem, and some time is required to get to the bottom of it,” added the Minister. “I. have been engaged in a complete overhaul of the regulations governing the conditions of relief work and the granting of sustenance and Cabinet will probably consider the matter in the next few days. After that I will be in a position to make an announcement.”