UNEMPLOYMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20627, 28 July 1930, Page 12

UNEMPLOYMENT.

Sir, —The suggestion put forward by "Anti-tax" in Thursday's issue, in relation to the breaking-in of undeveloped lands by the unemployed, seems from every standpoint a very practical one. Even if there is any element of doubt as to tho success of the scheme, at any rate, tho experiment is well worth a trial. It could bo no worse than the present haphazard, get-nowhere methods of relieving unemployment. Few will deny that at least 75 per cent, ol the unemployed are genuinely anxious. Never mind about award rates of pay. I am hearing so much about awards that I am sick of them. Give those men some incentive to work. Pay them so much per acre for cleat ing, accordingly as the land may be worked-out bush, or merely blackberries, and either let them find themselves or charge something in the vicinity of £1 a week for food. Put them in pairs, if any more do not agree. I am willing to go for one, even if it is the Urewera Country. I am at present stumping out wattles, trees and stumps at To Kauwhata, and the end of the job is in sight. Anything less remunerative than this, commensurate with the heavy nature of the work, would bo hard to find Just recently orders have been issued to stop payment for posts and firewood. The Agricultural Department does not allow tho use of explosives. It' if did, tho work could be done much cheaper, faster and easier. It. seems necessary, as we have to depend upon our exports, to break in more farms, and men can be found who could do this methodically; and surely, if they desire to follow farming, they could have the option over the land, either under tho freehold or leasohold principles. Let us see what our legislators can do in this direction. One wonders what they are paid for! Pro PAm t.v.

Sir,—"A Working Cocky" has something to say about unemployment. Evidently ho is unable to solve his labour problem by sticking to single men, so why does ho not try married men V Certainly there is an outlay on a cottage, but in tho end ho would get more satisfactory service, and 1 have no doubt there are many more men with a young family like myself who would be only too glad to get £3 a week without keep. I am fully experienced in all farm work, but I have two young children and I am afraid that is the obstacle to my getting employment. Couples with no "encumbrances'' are preferred. And then they tell you to keep the cradles full! Fvmita' 'Man.

Nr,--1 not ice that the organisms socio, laty of tho Auckland City Mission has something to say about "Working Cocky" not being able" to got. a man at 50s and found. What ho says may bo in his case correct, but 1 stand by "Working Cocky." I went to Auckland last week on appointment to select one front six experienced farm hands How is it that out of the six only one turned up? The one that difl turn up, a sturdy and healthy chap of 25 years, can do anything going. I took him on at 25s and found, which he accepted He started for me on Friday, 13th. and "r: Thursday, 24th. lefi at a minute's notice. The only reason he gave was he was too far from the main road—which is half a mile—and, besides, lie said that it lie has a few bob for smrtkes, he can always pet a meal or two and shelter free If this free meals and shelter business is correct, why no not the managers kick out the likes of the one 1 bad and give the meals to more of tin* old ind unfit ? Now, the organising secretary says that at present there are any amount of farm" hands willing, etc If so, I give him the opportunity of get ting me. a good (hap. 16 20. foi £1 and found foi the rest of the winter. If the secretary is m eagei to get some work he will accept my offer, ttewiti. K. E. Walker.