MORE MEN OUT OF WORK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22469, 13 July 1936, Page 8

MORE MEN OUT OF WORK

The latest returns of unemployment will prove a sad disappointment to everyone and especially to those who had pinned their hopes on the Labour Government producing an effective remedy for this social disease. Mr. Armstrong has to record another increase of 971 unemployed at June 6 to add to that of 1318 shown a month previously. As the winter advances, an increase has to be expected, the exception occurring in 1934, when the unemployed decreased by 2903 between May and June. This year, too, an improvement was hoped for, because, apart from the efforts of the new Government, the movement toward recovery reported in brisker business and busier industries should have stimulated employment. Apparently the normal seasonal influences have prevailed, although Mr. Armstrong can show that there were 3232 fewer unemployed in June this year than 12 months previously. The decrease is only 5.7 per cent, and.the position is seen to have deteriorated when the figures are shown in detail, as in the following table compiled from official returns June 1934 1935 1936 Ineligible . . 3,407 3,025 3,200 No. 5 scheme 33,126 25,043 15,486 Sustenance.. 2,718 11,262 20,352 Subsidised . . 23,386 16.936 13,996 62,637 56,266 53,034 The striking feature about these returns is the progressive decline in the number of unemployed giving some return in work for relief. The number engaged under No. 5 scheme has in two years been more than halved, while the number of subsidised workers has fallen from 23,386 to 13,996. On the other hand those receiving sustenance without work have increased from 2718 in 1934 and 11,262 in 1935 to 20,352 this year. These facts constitute a serious indictment of the new Government's administration in a department in which it might have been expected, and was pledged, to accomplish most.