UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20538, 12 April 1930, Page 12

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

LEGISLATION PENDING.

STATEMENT BY MINISTER.

MAIN PRINCIPLES OF BILL.

Good progress hits been made with the preparation of tlio Government's plans for an unemployment relief scheme in nccordanco with tho report of the special committed) which investigated tho problem on behalf of tho Government. A statement to this effect was made last evening by tho lion. W. A. Veitcli, Minister of Labour, \ylio is 011 his first official visit to Auckland.

"Tho report of tho committeo was handed to mo several weeks ago by tho chairman, Mr. W. D. Hunt, and sinco then tho details have been under process of analysis," said Mr. Veitch. " A promise was made last session that a bill would bo introduced this year to provide for unemployment relief and tho work now going 011 is dosigned to £ivo effect to that promise. The proposals which will form the basis of that legislation are now being investigated in order that wo may bo quite sure, when submitting tho bill, that they are in a thoroughly workable and satisfactory condition. The bill will be introduced during the forthcoming session." Asked whether the proposals under consideration were identical with those recommended by the special committee, which piovide for a national employment board and tho institution of a permanent employment and sustonanco fund by annual contributions by all persons over 18 years of age, as well as by companies, local bodies and other organisations, the Minister said tho main principles of his bill would be somewhat similar to those recommended by tho special committee, although the details might diverge. " The public can rely upon it that tho principles of the proposed legislation will bo on sound and reasonable lines and that an earnest effort is being mado to meet tho situation in a practical way," ho said.