UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21817, 4 June 1934, Page 12

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

PROPOSALS FROM FEILDING MINISTER SYMPATHETIC [by telegraph—press association] FEILDING, Saturday Sympathetic interest was shown bv the Rt. Hon. J. G. Cobbe, Minister of Justice, in constructive proposals placed before him by a deputation representing the Chamber of Commerce and tho Relief Workers' Association. The proposals were that the Unemployment Board should make grants in approved cases to enable relief workers to start in business; that a means test bo applied to those asking for subsidised labour under tho various schemes; that the Government should inaugurate a publicity campaign appealing to all employers to re-employ as much as possible without subsidy, and at ordinary pay; that land settlement be encouraged by settling groups on undeveloped land, and by the compulsory acquisition of land for small farms; that the Government should inquire into the possibilities of the Angora rabbit industry. Mr. Cobbe said he was glad to hear constructive suggestions, and ho referred briefly to each proposal. In regard to the business proposal, he said returned soldiers had proved a success in thife in many cases. In regard to subsidies ho explained that the subsidy on buildings had resulted in keeping many men in employment. Tho board was wise at tho time in its decision. The Minister was not hopeful regarding tho land settlement proposal. Ho pointed out that men were not anxious to go far out to undeveloped lands and that good land was at too high a price to acquire for the purpose. The Minister was favourably impressed regarding the Angora rabbit industry, which, he said, had great possibilities. He would place tho matters before the Minister of Employment. POSITIONS FOR YOUTHS COMMITTER'S RESOLUTION [r[V TKr.ECUAPH —ruuss association] W F.L IjINO TON. Saturo«y Following tho discussion of a report that theto were, 2;*vo Wellington youths between IS and 20 years of age 011 tho unemployment roll, and that it was practically impossible to find positions for them, as employers were disinclined to engage them while younger boys were available, . tho Wellington employment committee yesterday resolved, "That the Government be requested to consider as a matter of urgency a recommendation that tho employers of boys between the ages of IS and 20 years, inclusive, bo granted a subsidy of 25 per cent on tho weekly wages paid, tho subsidy not to exceed 7s 6d weekly, and to be restricted to primary and secondary industries or other productive work to bo determined, and to bo granted only in the case of boys who have been unemployed for six months.''