WORK FOR UNEMPLOYED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19663, 15 June 1927, Page 10

WORK FOR UNEMPLOYED.

GOVERNMENT'S PROPOSALS SUBSIDY TO LOCAL BODIES. MORE RELIEF SCHEMES URGED. FACILITIES TO RAISE LOANS. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. Further directions in which the Government is prepared to move in its efforts to relieve unemployment were outlined by the Minister of Labour, Hon. G. J. Anderson, in his reply to a large deputation of unemployed which waited on the Prime Minister, Mr. Coates, and Mr. Anderson to-day. " In March last," said Mr. Anderson, "the Government made arrangements to provide work for 2000 men. It was thought then that the provision thus made for unemployment throughout the winter would be sufficient, but this anticipation unfortunately has not been fulfilled. " Further arrangements have now been made by the Government to provide employment for a number of men. However, it is obvious that to cope with the problem local bodies will require to make further efforts, and with a view to encouraging them in this direction the Government has decided to subsidise moneys borrowed for the sole purpose of the relief of unemployment, provided the works have not been included in any schedule of works for which a loan has been raised by the local authority. Subsidy on. Subscriptions. "The Government will also subsidise voluntary subscriptions by private individuals, provided these have been hauded to local bodies to be expended upon approved relief works. The subsidies on these subscriptions will be at the rate of £1 for £l. "Where county councils, road boards or other local bodies in rural districts raise loans for the relief of unemployment, the Government will consider each application upon its merits, and where approved grant £1 for £1 upon the total cost of the work. Parliament will be asked to extend the operation of the Act passed last year to enable local bodies to raise loans for the relief of unemployment. Works which local bodies propose to put in hand for the relief of unemployment must be approved by the Public Works Department, and it will therefore facilitate matters in the passing of the loan by the Local Government Loans Board if the Public Works Department is asked to approve of the work before the loan is raised. Assistance for City Works. " No work will be subsidised in a city, borough or town district unless 60 per cent, of the estimated cost is to be paid for labour on the actual work done. The Government will subsidise such approved works up to 50 per cent, of the cost of the labour. It is thought by the Government that it is a sound principle for local bodies to assist in finding work for the unemployed within their own immediate vicinity, and the subsidy proposed should render this practicable. Where )ocal bodies see fit to pay more than the relief rates of 12s for married men and 9s for singfe meu, the Government sub sidy on the cost of labour above referred to will be calculated upon a 12s and 9s rate of pay, and not upon any highei rata." , On the Minister concluding his statement there was a chorus of " Oh's." A shrill voice asked: 4 'How would you like to live on nine bob a day yourself." This was followed by loud applause. The Minister said the Government put forward the proposal as a means of meeting what it was hoped was a temporary emergency. .It reserved the right, howeverj to modify or cancel it at any time.