UNEMPLOYED POSITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20402, 2 November 1929, Page 12

UNEMPLOYED POSITION.

The promised statement to show how the Government had fulfilled its pledge to find work for all the unemployed capable of taking it, within a period of five weeks, has been made. The figures, frankly, are extraordinary. In the month of October the register of those expecting to be catered for by the Government rose from 2466 to 13,932. By the end of the month the number had been reduced to 2299, of whom 1000 are prepared to accept anything that is offered to them. It is expected to place these men within a week, after which it will no doubt be claimed the promise has been redeemed. Yet a further examination of the figures shows a remarkable feature. The process of reducing 13,932 men registered as unemployed to 2299 has involved placing 4889 in positions and retaining 775 on forestry work instead of discharging them. That is to say, new work has actually been found for one-third of those registered as desiring it, yet the total is regarded as having been disposed of to all intents and purposes. Applications lapsed 4228: what relation do the men represented bear to the unemployed situation before unlimited work for all who would register was promised 1 ? Were they actually out of work, or did they decide to see whether what the Government offered was better than what they had? Unemployable, 562: this is a new feature, for the possible existence of an unemployable element has not been admitted before. If its members are what the term implies., this is the most tragic feature uncovered, and should not be dismissed from notice. Work has been found for some thousands of men but there is not the slightest indication how long it will last, or what will happen when the tasks in hand, described as necessary, but not previously intended for accomplishment so soon, are ended. Neither is anything said about the financing of the programme. On a rough estimate, to employ over 6000 men costs in the neighbourhood of £3,000,000 a year, all other factors besides wages being duly counted. Where are the funds for expenditure at this rate being found 1 The question is not a condemnation of what has been done, merely one that should be answered. Finally, as was generally known and was specifically stated by the Unemployment Committee which, reported to the Government recently, this is the time when the seasonal unemployment of the winter tends to cure itself because of increased industrial activity. Yet this was the time chosen to launch a deliberate effort to find positions for men by virtually creating work, for that is to what the anticipation of. future programmes, really amounts. As a result, no matter how it may be represented as a fulfilment of the promise mado, the . Government's effort, does not affect the essential employment, or unemploymqjnt, position one iota«