WORK FOR MORE MEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19762, 8 October 1927, Page 14

WORK FOR MORE MEN.

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF. WESTERN SPRINGS ARENA. LARGE PROJECT AUTHORISED. r ACTIVITIES OF COMMITTEE. j! ' Work that may absorb 300 men at present out of work was authorised by the Citizens' Unemployment Committee yesterday, when it decided to proceed with the scheme for providing a cycle track and sports arena on the City Council s property, between Old Mill Road snd Western Springs. The work will be commenced forthwith, and will be carried on as far as funds permit. The scheme involves the utilisation of a flat area, which is bounded on three sides •by elevated ground, on which will be laid out a concrete cycle track, banked at each end. These ends will be laid out to a radius of 150 ft., and inside the track a quarter-mile cinder-track will be provided. There will be space in the middle for a full-sized football ground, with ample area on each side of the touch-lines and Behind the goal-lines. Cost oi the Scheme. The city engineer, Mr. W. E. Bush, has made the following approximate estimates of-the cost of the various portions of the scheme: —Excavation, 20,0 C cubic yards, £4000; cover with top soil, 3000 cubic yards, £750; grassing inner area, £500; providing concretb cycle track, £1600; providing cinder running track, £375; drainage, £400; outer fencing, galvanised iron, £750; inner fencing round cycle track and post and rail round cinder track, £400; diversion of creek, £700; provision of approach road from Great North- Road, £2000; terracing slope and contingencies, pay, £3525; total, exclusive of builidngs, £15,000. "This will not interfere with the carrying out of tho levellfhg of the area between the Great North Road and the arena, whereby three full-sized football grounds for ordinary club matches can be obtained," added Mr. Bush's report. "This work, if done with unemployed labour, would cost approximately £9OOO to £10,000." The Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, who presided, said he thought he could give an assurance that the City Council would complete the works if the unemployment iunds were not sufficient. * Mr. E. J. Phelan, in commending the scheme, said it should provide employment lor 300 men. Appeal for More Funds. The question of making a direct appeal to the public for contributions was mentioned. Mr. Baildon said subscriptions ■were now coming in more slowly, but he thought that some persons had only to be approached, and they would respond. The was referred to the finance committee, which will meet on Tuesday. * The treasurer, Mr. J. S. Bngham, said the. total funds now available were £3924 J9s lid. Of that amount £2897 18s 6d was, on deposit in the bank, £793 8s 6d had lieen contributed through the - newspaper funds, and £233 2s lOd was in hand at tha {Town Hall. It was reported that the rate required by insurance companies for employers liability to "cover men employed" on relief .work was 45s per cent. Some comment ./was made upon this figure, but it was explained that the rate was due to the risk from blasting operations. The matter was .Referred to the chairman and the treasurer jto arrange a cover. Fortnightly Engagements. Referring to the suggestion made at the 'previous meeting that the men should be employed for five hours each day so that two gangs could be employed each day, Mr. Bush stated he could not recommend -"the adoption of the proposal. If the pay.jnent of relief-money for work was to be of real benefit to the men, four weeks' work should be given to each man. The disadvantage of short-term periods was th'at men were anxious about being dismissed almost before they had started, and this -was not productive oi good work. ? The recommendation provoked the expression oi divergent views, after which it was decided, on the motion oi thefMayor, to engage the men for fortnightly periods. Mr.. Bush stated that 49 men were employed at the Epsom Domain, where the expenditure to date vras £249 ; 36 were at work at Grey Lynn Park, where the expenditure was £99; and 38 men at Walker jßoad, Point Chevalier, where the expenditure was £22. The Mayor said he considered these works could all absorb a few more men. .; It was stated that 56 men were engaged ipn work at the museum and 15 at Harbour View Road, neither of which works was under the control of the committee. Taking these works into consideration, 197 men were at work. Domain Scheme Deferred. > It was decided to take no action in connection with the scheme for developing playing grounds on the western slope of the Domain Hill. "There is not enough for this work," said Mr. J. A. C. •Allum, on whose motion this course was taken. "My motion, however, will permit of this scheme being considered later," he added. Plans prepared by Mr. Busb for this work showed two grounds on different levels. The top ground would have an average length of 380 ft. by an average -width of 250 ft., so it would not be quite large enough for playing football. Tinlower grounds would be 400 ft by 300 ft. The total amount of excavation involved was -50.000 cubic yards, 15,000 cubic yards leing from the upper ground and 35.000 cubic yards from the lower. The estimated cost of the work was £IO,OOO. and labour would absorb 60 per cent, of that amount. RAISING OF MONEY. UNEMPLOYED ASSOCIATION. Attention to the fact that collections were being made on behalf of the Auck land Unemployed Association was drawn by the Mayor, Mr G. Baildon, at yes---terday's meeting of the Citizens' Unemployment Committee. " If they are doing good work in that way I do not suggest we should hamper them," said Mr. Baildon, " bu! the public is apt to associate that body with this committee and may think that the money subscribed gees through our fund and is subsidised *' , .Mr. H. Horton • 1 thought the council's permission had to be obtained before collections were made. r. The Mayor said he did not know how sthe collection could be stopped. „. " In fairness to the Unemployed Association, it should be stated that they are only collecting shillings and pence," said Mr. E- J. I'helan. " Their chief work is in providing stores and clothing." " There is a duplication of the work," "Commented the Mayor. "It is costing the association more than this committee is spending to conduct its activities. The of the association told me he *&b.s getting £4 10s a week." P gneation was not pursued, -