MUCH UNEMPLOYMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15625, 3 June 1914, Page 8

MUCH UNEMPLOYMENT.

DEPUTATION TO MR. MASSEY THE IMMIGRATION POLICY. [by telegraph.—press association.! Dpsedik, Tuesday. A deputation* organised By the Otago Labour Council waited on the Prime Minister this morning. The speakers represented various unions. Tho Hon. J. T. Paul said that a very large number of men and women were unemployed, and urged the Government to put in hand immediately any works which could be undertaker!. On the question of immigration, Mr. Paul said the whole matter should he inquired into, and some radical change should be made. Men and women were coming to. New Zealand as assisted immigrants who wee neither farm labourers nor domestic servants.

Mr. jflassey, in reply, said that where •there-was .unemployment and a genuine desire to work, he was willing to help, and lio was going to do so. ' He would communicate with the Minister for Works and tho Minister for Railways to ascertain how many men could be employed. The Government was in a sound position, and able to go on with public works where required in New; Zealand. Regarding immigration, the Prime Minister said .if they "could encourage immigrants to the country districts, where they would become producers, they were actually assisting the peqple in the towns. He was surprised to learn that women were unemployed. _ It was much more difficult to find employment for women than for men.

MEETING THE SITUATION. . MINISTERS ACTIVE. [by TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] Dpxedin*, Tuesday. With reference to the unemployed question, the Prime Minister has received a telegram from tho Minister for Public Works, who slates that he gave instructions some days ago to the district engineer, who has been wanting men for some time past, to send unemployed to the Roxburgh railway, the C-atlins railway, or any works he has in hand.

The Hon. W. H. Herries states that tho Railway Department will probably be able ito find somo additional employment in the course of a. few days.- Probably men will be required" in connection with railway workshops.

The Prime Minister is also making inquiries with regard to work which it is intended to put in hand at Seacliff.