STATE RELIEF WORKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22145, 26 June 1935, Page 13

STATE RELIEF WORKS

APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT HIGHER SUSTENANCE URGED RESOLUTION OF LOCAL BODIES A resolution of a recent conference in Christchurch, advocating major public works for unemployment relief and an increase in winter sustenance rat<js, was endorsed in nearly all particulars by a conference of Auckland local bodies and other interests held in the City Council chamber last night for the primary purpose of hearing an exposition of the proposed Auckland metropolitan drainage scheme.

The Christchurch resolution, for which support had been asked, was to the effect that the Government be urged to undertake through the Public Works Department major schemes for the absorption of men at standard rates of pay, that the local bodies represented pledged themselves to support such works, that sustenance rates should be increased during the winter by at least 20 per cent, and that, if necessary, the wages tax should be increased from lOd to Is in the pound to meet the extra cost.

The Mayor of Auckland, Mr. Ernest Davis, who presided, said the resolution had been considered by the City Council's Finance and Employment Committees. He moved the following motion, which was in slightly different terms: —"That this conference reaffirms the desirability of major schemes absorbing large numbers of unemployed being put in hand by the Public Works Department, at standard rates of pay; that representatives of the local bodies present pledge themselves to do all in their power to assist in the carrying out of such schemes, and that at least 20 per cent should be added to the rates of those on sustenance during the winter months."

A delegate stated that the executive of the Municipal Association had resolved to support the Christchurch resolution, and had presented it to the Minister of Employment, tho Hon. S. G. Smith, on June 15.

The deputy-mayor, Mr. 1?. Martin, in seconding the Mayor's motion, said the unemployment problem should bo approached nationally, and local bodies should then be called upon to play their part in solving it. The present purpose was to make representations to the Government on these lines. The motion was carried without dissent. SKILLED RELIEF WORKERS EMPLOYMENT IN TRADES A suggestion that the unemployed should attempt to persuade the Unemployment Board to engage skilled tradesmen at present working under the No. 5 Scheme on productive undertakings in their own trades was made by Mr. W. J. Gatenby at last night's meeting of the Mount Eden Borough Council. A deputation of unemployed had waited on the council seeking increased relief pay and a different system of making payments. " Many of the relief workers are doing work that is not very productive," said Mr. Gatenby. " In their ranks are a number of skilled tradesmen, such as cabinetmakers, who would be better employed making furniture for other unemployed." He suggested that the deputation should endeavour to arrange with the board for the inauguration of such a scheme.