UNEMPLOYMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20075, 12 October 1928, Page 16

UNEMPLOYMENT.

Sir,—There have been many letters writ,ten lately re thei unemployment problem. But so far ][ think the majority of the writers have, missed the main cause. At the present time we are passing through a transition period; machinery is rapidly taking the place of manpower. In some of our largo quarries where close on 30 men wore constantly employed, we now have the steam shovel, the electric drill and stone crusher, so that only five or six men are required. Arid in- the carting of metal, etc., we have the large motor lorry doing the work of four horse team!!. With the advent of the milking machines! less labour is required on the farms. Another factor that contributes to unemployment in the country is that on the majority of milking and grazing farms they have scrapped their ploughs in favour of top-dressing, consequently farms; that used to employ a couple of ploughmen all the year round now only require a man with a drill for a few weeks to spread fertilisers which ( give a quicker growth of fresh pasture at much less expense. However, as an old hand on the land, I feel confident the plough will have to bo brought into use again in the near future. But what is urgently wanted iri this country at the present time is a Government that will look to the development of our secondary industries, and also one with a vigorous land settlement policy, which is the most vital matter in connection with our Dominion at the present, time. Morningside. W. Boss.