HELP FOR UNEMPLOYED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20901, 17 June 1931, Page 12

HELP FOR UNEMPLOYED.

Sir,—ln Tuesday's Herald there were many expressions of opinion on the cessation of No. 5 unemployment scheme for want of money. Most New Zealanders are reasonable people, and kindly at heart. If they saw a man, wife and several children drowning, they would make the effort to save them, not counting the cost. There is very little difference between "drowning" and trying to live without food, warmth and clothing. I am sure any dignified appeal or demand by Messrs. Forbes, Coates and Holland would meet with a ready response. Obviously, full Parliamentary action is the proper way. Many ways of raising money are available. Increasing the levy from 30s on a graduated scale is sound. Many could pay a "fiver" at once, and would cheerfully do it. Probably the best scheme would be the issue of "prosperity bonds," with 4 per cent, interest, payable yearly, redeemable any time up to five years, interest to be allowed to accumulate if not claimed. In one year's time, the interest would be no hardship on the country, and in five years we shall probably have run into prosperous conditions. Thousands of people would buy such bonds immediately, and the No. 5 scheme could function readily. The "war" bonds were a success, and there is every reason to assume that "prosperity" bonds would be well taken up. I would suggest that everyone able and willing to help writes a few words to Mr. Forbes for to-night's post, offering their support; such action in the mass will strengthen his hands. Tell him "No. 5 scheme must not stop for want of funds. We will pay." Alf. J. Parker.