RADIO FOR CAMPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21921, 3 October 1934, Page 14

RADIO FOR CAMPS

REQUEST FROM NORTH A QUESTION OF POLICY The question Of how far it should go in providing recreational facilities for men in relief camps was discussed by the Auckland Metropolitan UnemploymentyKelief Committee yesterday, when a request i'or wireless sets for four single men's* camps in North Auckland was being considered. It was felt that if the request was granted the committee would be inundated with similar appeals from camps in many parts of the province. The request came from the office of •the Public Works Department in Whangarei and was made on hphalf of the men jn camps known us Gtirr's, I Vaughan's, Newman's and McCarroll's, | which, it was stated, were in isolated places and were manned by Auckland relief workers. . , The acting-chairman of the committee, Mr. T. McNab, said these men were in the back blocks breaking in land for small farms, and if the small outlay required to provide the wireless sets would contribute to keeping them contested with their work it would be .well worth while for the committee. He understood suitable battery sets could .be secured for about £9 each; ' Mr. R Ferner, Mayor of Mount Albert, advised caution and inquiry into the precedent they might be creating. Before embarking on such a policy, they should know .how many similar camps there were and consider the likelihood of many such requests being received. ft was suggested that these men were probably working on the land with the idea "of later acquiring sections and should be encouraged, but Mr. F. M. Waters, chairman of the Manukau County Council, agreed that full inquiry should be made of the Unemployment i Board and the Small Farm:? Board to ascertain the number and nature of camps in the Auckland Province. It, was decided to defer the request until the, next mooting of the committee so that the desired information could be obtained. ; ; ■MMM m mmmmmdmm m