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New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22971, 24 February 1938, Page 11

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PAPATOETOE UNEMPLOYED SUBSIDY FOR WORK WANTED "The unemployed men of the district should not be penalised because of any political expediency," said Mr. YV. A. Cairns at the meeting of the Papatoetoe Town Board on Tuesday night, when it was reported that all men engaged on No. 13 subsidy scheme had reverted to sustenance. A letter was received from the Minister of Employment, the Hon. H. T. Armstrong, expressing appreciation of the board s assistance in providing employment for the men over a lengthy period. As the board was unable to make further provision the men would revert to sustenance allowances. The town clerk, Mr. \V. Young, said the men had approached him and the foreman pleading that work be provided for them. The board's position had been explained, and the, men realised that the matter was beyond its control.' The chairman, Mr. W. J. Nicholson, said the board had sufficient work, but, as explained 'to the Minister, it had denuded its finances in meeting the subsidy. Profitable work was waiting to be done and the board would find material if the Unemployment Fund would provide the wages. Mr. Cairns said that neighbouring local bodies received 100 per cent labour subsidies, and he considered it unfair that there should be any differentiation between communities. It was decided to make further representations to the Minister. POSITION AT MANUREWA FULL SUBSIDY REFUSED Complaints that smaller local bodies were being asked to carry an undue ! share of the cost of finding work for ; unemployed men were voiced at the Manurewa Borough Council meeting on Tuesday night. It was reported that after negotiation with the department authority had been received to employ 24 men at a subsidy of £4 a week for each man until the end of March. The Mayor, Mr. W. J. Ferguson, reported that advice was received in January that the employment of the men on full subsidy would coaso on January 29. He had made representations to the department for an extension of the scheme, m view of the amount of work in sight and the council's financial position. The application had been refused and the council could onlv employ the men at a cost of £l2 a week, in addition to providing all material and supervision. "We know this is not the position in other local body districts where the financial resources are immeasurably stronger," added the Mayor. The council decided to utilise the men in the meantime to ensure their receiving full wages and to make fuithor representations.