THE SUSTENANCE MEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22524, 15 September 1936, Page 13

THE SUSTENANCE MEN

Sir, —It would appear that something should be done for the unemployed labourer, considering that only 6000 are on the placement register. As probably 50 per cent of these are ineligible for labouring work, on account of being unfit, etc.. I consider the Government should make an effort to place all hands in work. This is the only way the Government will get rid of the scroungers and hangers-on, and the genuine unemployed man will get a fair go. At the same time an effort should be made by the Labour Bureau to .check up thoroughly on statements made by new applicants for work. For instance, "Name of last employer" should be checked up on. I write this as many farm hands in the past have got jobs on public works before labourers could get work. Undoubtedly many are arriving in New Zealand from Australia and a man applied for work on a City Council scheme who had recently arrived from Hobart. Unless the Government checks up on farm hands leaving jobs for public works, and carefully notes arrivals and departures from Australia, I suggest the unemployment figures will never go down. Fair Go.