UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20111, 23 November 1928, Page 15

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

WORK BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

APPEAL MADE TO CITIZENS.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHEME. An appeal to tlio citizens of Auckland to make a special effort to relievo unemployment beforo Christmas is made by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Members of the chamber waited on the Mayor, Mr. G. Baild'on, yesterday morning, and he said tho scheme had liis cntiro sympathy and support.

11l a special report, tho Chamber of Commerce states the employment situation has been slow in reacting in sympathy with tho improved economic conditions. There is still inurh distress among the unemployed and their families.

Citizens aro appealed to for their cooperation in tho direction of putting in hand before Christmas any work in connection with their houses or business premises which might mako for increased employment and which, in any case, would bccomo necessary during the next 12 months. It is felt that such works would give much needed immediate relief to many in indigent circumstances and would help to brighten the Christmas season for many to whom it would otherwise bo dark and gloomy. Whero work contemplated by citizens in this way involves merely tlio hiring of skilled or unskilled labout, it is suggested that details of requirements should bo forwarded to the Chamber of Commerce, which will pass oil particulars to tho employment bureau of the Labour Department. It is further urged that those seeking jobs should keep their registrations "live" by reporting regularly at the bureau.

CITY COUNCIL WORKS. GREAT ASSISTANCE EXPECTED. Although between 30 and 40 men am being employed at Western Springs in connection with the relief work commenced last year, tho Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon. hopes that much greater assistance may bo given by the City Council in tho relief of unemployment within tho next week or two. Jfo said yesterday a sub sidy of pound for pound had been applied for on tho £IO,OOO loan recently sanctioned and (ho £BOOO in tho Waiatarua trust account. Thus it was hoped shortly to have availablo £36,000 for expenditure on the' Western Springs sports arena scheme and tho draining and refilling to a jew margin of Lako Waitarua.' In connection with the latter work some loading is also to be undertaken.

Tho City Council is now awaiting tho approval of the Public Works Department to the classification of these works as relief schemes. Mr. Baildon anticipates that by the time of tho meeting of the City Council next Thursday tho negotiations will bo sufficiently advanced to authorise a definite expenditure of tho jiew money at both Western Springs and Waiatana.