UNEMPLOYED RELIEF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21400, 26 January 1933, Page 11

UNEMPLOYED RELIEF

PROSPECTING FOR GOLD THAMES DISTRICT WORK SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] THAMES, Wednesday A report from the Thames Mining Executive Committee shows that the monthly average number of men assisted by money from the Unemployment Board is 100 and the areas in which the men have worked have been grouped into five divisions, Tapu area, Puhoi, Tararu, Hape Creek to Tararu, Tributing, and Omahu to Kerikeri. The average monthly expenditure incurred by the board for wages amounted to £468. The sum of £35 was advanced by the Mines Department to purchase explosives for resale to prospectors and tributers. Gold won for the period of 12 months by men assisted amounted to 2440z. 18dwt.

The number of unemployed men on the Thames register at present is 378, a large increase. Commenting on the report at a meeting held by the Thames Unemployment Committee this evening, Mr. J. W. Danby said it was evident there was no movement back to permanent employment. The certifying officer said he had received 44 letters in one week from applicants in Auckland and Wellington wishing to take up prospecting.

Mr. li. Crawford, director of the Thames School of Mines, stated that it was intended to prepare a map of the mining areas so that tracks and roads could be cut to likely gold-bearing reefs further back in Thames County territory. The Thames County supervisor of works, Mr. J. H. Adams, would assist in the preparation of the map.

REDUCED RELIEF RATES

STRONG MANUREWA PROTEST A strong protest against the reduced rates of relief pay allocated to Manurcwa district by the Unemployment Board, was voiced at a meeting of over 100 local unemployed and representatives of tho business community on Tuesday evening. The chairman of the Town Board, Mr. W. T. Cox, presided , and the speakers included Messrs. T. J. Fleming, a member of the board, F. M. Waters and C. S. McCallum, chairman and member respectively of the Manukau County Council, T. "ioung, W. Ferguson and A. C. Sexton.

A resolution was carried stressing the inadequacy of tho existing rates of relief pay for large families, and demanding that the Unemployment Board pay a wage of £3 a week, which amount the meetfiig considered necessary to provide a decent standard of living. A further resolution, which was also carried, demanded the Unemployment Board's withdrawal of its "very harsh and unjustified regulation" which prevents a No. 5 worker from taking advantage of any work offering durihrr his allotted days.

DISTRIBUTION OF MUTTON PRESENT SUPPLY EXHAUSTED. [by TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL reporter] WELLINGTON, Wednesday No arrangements have been made yet by the Unemployment Board to purchase further supplies of mutton for distribution to the unemployed, tho present supplies being exhausted. When asked what action was to be taken, tho Minister of Employment, the Hon. A. Hamilton, said to-day" that a decision whether the stocks were to be replenished would bo a matter for the Cabinet and the Unemployment Board. Stock which was being killed at the freezing works at present was too dear for the board to purchase, but the matter would be considered when a start was made to kill mutton in large quantities.

CHANGE IN POLICY URGED DOLE SYSTEM FAVOURED Hie opinion that the Unemployment Act needed drastic overhaul was expressed by members of the Takapuna Borough Council last evening, when the Mayor. Mr. J. Guiniven, raised the question of the advisability of substitution of the dole system for the present relief policy. Mr. Guiniven said he had come to the conclusion that the dole system as it operated in Great Britain had much to commend it. The No. 5 scheme was too burdensome on local authorities and tied relief workers to a particular locality and offered little incentive to look about for more remunerative employment. It was breeding a sense of hopelessness and provided no inducement to the men to give of their best in return for money expended on their behalf. Members of the council expressed general agreement and it was decided to urge the advisability of amendment to the present legislation.