SEARCH FOR WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20560, 10 May 1930, Page 14

SEARCH FOR WORK.

ARRIVALS FROM AUSTRALIA. EFFORT FOR CONTROL. - VIGILANCE OF GOVERNMENT. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Friday. An effort has been made already by the Minister of Labotrf, the Hon. W. A. Veitch, to deal with tho influx of Australians into New Zealand in search of work. Mr. Veitch said to-day that tho Government will consider tho matter and gather information as to tho number coming to New Zealand. In the meantime he has sent an unofficial message, through the Y.M.C.A., recommending that body in Australia to advise tho unemployed not to come to New Zealand, because it is just as much as New Zealand can do to provide for her own unemployed men, and especially during the forthcoming winter. While the Government was desirous of doing nothing to disturb or estrange the happy relations between the Commonwealth and the Dominion, it was its duty first to look after its own unemployed. " From the intcr-Stato point of view," said Mr. Veitch, " I believe it would be better, in tho interests of both countries, if closer relations could bo induced. I am quite certain we will not be able to provide relief for anyone who comes from outside tho Dominion. Australia is a wonderful country, and is certain to recover from its ditliculties very quickly, Jl is obvious that we would not prohibit people from coming to New Zealand from Australia." He believed there was every reason to hope both countries would soon reach such a state of prosperity that unemployment relief in either country would not be necessary.

PLACING AUCKLAND MEN.

ASSURANCE BY MINISTER. MR. SAVAGE IN REPLY« That 125 men will be placed in work within a week and that arrangements are being made to find employment for a very large number of Auckland men as soon as possible are statements contained in a telegram received yesterday by Mr. M. J. Savage, M.P., from the Hon. G. W. Forbes, Minister of Lands. The telegram was in reply to a request from Mr. Savage that Parliament should be called together immediately to deal with the unemployment problem. Mr. Forbes said: —" 1 have received your telegram regarding unemployment at Auckland. As already announced over 4400 Auckland men have been provided with employment on Government works since the present Government assumed office. The number includes 1035 men placed since last Christmas. Another 125 men will be placed within a week. The Cabinet Unemployment Committee is at present arranging further works for the unemployed. A very largo number of additional Auckland men will be placed as early as possible." The following telegram was sent by Mr. Savage in reply:—"l freely admit that employment has been found for 4400 men as you say, but it is evident from the number of unemployed in Auckland that a still greater number have been discharged during the same period. The past is dead. Will the Government deal with the living present? Someone must act at once. Will the Government, say that they cannot or will not act ? The position is too serious to be dealt with in generalities. What are we to say to those who are without sufficient food and shelter now? Can the Local Government Loans Board help by speeding up authority to borrow? I am advised some are held up." MEALS FOR UNEMPLOYED. SUBSIDY RECOMMENDED, LABOUR MEMBER'S ADVOCACY. A recommendation that the Government should provide a pound for pound subsidy to help the work of the Presbyterian Social Service Association of providing free meals for distressed persons, at the Manna House, was contained .in a telegram sent to the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, yesterdav, by Mr. W. E. Parry, M.P. Mr. Parry said there was widespread poverty and want in many Auckland homes owing to tho prevalence unemployment, and if tho work of providing meals was not rendered it would mean thai about 200 people would bo without food daily. Since it will bo necessary to keep oil supplying the meals through tho winter months, the association will bo involved in a total expenditure of about £SOO. Mr. Parry has received tho following telegram in reply from tho Prime Minister:—" Jlavo received your telegram, asking for subsidy on money expended on social work carried out by Mr. llalliday and Sister Esther. Have noted your representation and am looking into your request." UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES. HELPFUL ATTITUDE SOUGHT. MINISTER JUSTIFIES POLICY. [r.V TEiVEGI'AI'H. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Friday. "It would bo' a fmo thing for Now Zealand if all tried to take up a more helpful attitude," said tho Hon. W. A. Veitch, .Minister of Labour, when questioned concerning tho Government's decision not to reveal tho unemployment figures. In giving reasons for tho decision, Mr. Ye.iteh said there was an overlapping in the registrations of unemployed at different points, so that the aggregate numbers appeared more than the actual amount. The publication of unemployment figures, moreover, might have a depressing effect and shako tho confidence pf tho people, in the economic conditions of tho country, by making the position look worse than it was. In that way unemployment, would really be created. "J wish the newspapers would help mo in this connection," said Mr. Veitch. "They join in the cry for party reasons, and add to the noise of complaints about non-publication from a section interested largely in making a noise. It would bo a fine thing for New Zealand if all took a helpful and hopeful attitude which all tho facts and figures justify," Mr. Veitch illustrated bis point by tho hypothetical case of a man contour plating opening business in a town, and learning that in one week tho unemployed numbered 75, the next week 'llO, and in the next 125. Owing to changing populations tho figures might bo misloading. and yet their publication might stitle further business, and so add to unemployment.