THE UNEMPLOYED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23137, 8 September 1938, Page 15

THE UNEMPLOYED

FUTURE PROVISION

OPPOSITION DOUBTS POWERS OF COMMISSIONERS [by TKLKCKAI'H —St'KCIA L REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Wednesday The provisions in the Social Security Bill for benefits to be paid to unemployed persons provoked a lengthy discussion during the committee stages of the bill in the House of Tlepreseutatives to-day. Members of the Opposition claimed that the Government was not making adequate provision for unemployment, but the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, in reply, declared that the Opposition was not in sympathy with the principle of social security. The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, said he believed the Minister's estimate of the cost of unemployment benefits under tho bill was about £1.500,000, and he would liko to know whether that was the only provision that was to be made for unemployment. Many of the present so-called public works jobs were really relief schemes and it was difficult to see "how those persons and others at present provided for under the Employment Promotion Fund were provided for in the bill.

Youths and Women Mr. J. Hargest (Opposition—Awarua) mentioned the case of a young man, possibly not much over IG, who might wish to wait for an opening in a particular calling. It seemed that he would have to take any work offered to him or be refused unemployment benefits. Mr. W. A. Bodkin (Opposition—Central Otago), who said that tlis Employment Fund, as far as women were concerned, had been "a complete washout," asked whether placement officers were to be stationed in every district to decide whether women, were or were not fit to undertake whatever work might bo offering.

"Will this, bo in substitution for the Employment Promotion Fund, or will it be collateral with it?" asked Mr. W. J. PoLson (Opposition—Stratford). Employment Act Repealed

"The Employment Promotion Act is repealed by this bill, so there can bo no duplication," the Minister replied. "The payment of benefits will be under the control of the commissioners. Every person between 16 'and 60, who cannot get ordinary employment, will qualify for benefits. "Anyone who is not taking reasonable steps to find work or who will not take suitable work when it is offered, will bo disqualified, and disqualification will also bo imposed on persons who have not been in the country for 12 months. A married woman who can show that her husband cannot maintain her will qualify for benefits."

Mr. H. S. S. Kyle (Opposition— Riecarton): I know of a case where four methylated spirits drinkers, who are living together, are being paid sustenance to-day.

Mr. Nash: They won't get the benefit.

Mr. Kyle: Will they bo left to starve ? Mr. Nash: No. We will do everything possible for them. Mr. W. J. Broadfoot (Opposition— Waitomo} said the commissioners appointed under the bill would have a "he-man's" job to handle unemployment benefits alone. The Minister's Claims

"In spite of everything they say about supporting the principle of the bill," the Minister said, "one now and then hears definite opposition to' the bill from the Opposition benches. The people of the country want every clause in this bill to go through and for that reason ,the Opposition dare not say too mtich against it, but they know what they would do if they had charge of the country." "We are not opposed to the bill, but it is so difficult to get a straight statement from the Minister," said Mr. S. G. Smith (Opposition—New Plymouth). "The people don't want a bill that will fall under its own weight." Retort by Mr. Broadfoot

Mr. Broadfoot said that because an election was at hand the Minister endeavoured to cloud the issue concerning the financing of the scheme, but the bill would not come into effect until after the election. After deluding the people the Minister would dis-' illusion them by a watering down of the benefits. It was obvious that the Government had only a sustenance scheme and no unemployment policy. "A lot of propaganda has been talked," Mr. Nash concluded, "but not one word has been said against the clause.''

After some further discussion the closure was applied. Members of the Opposition called for a division on the closure motion, which was carried by 49 votes to 19.

The clause was allowed to go ;hrougli on the voices.

HIGH COST OF WHEAT

POULTRY INDUSTRY PROBLEM DESIRABILITY OF REDUCTION [ 11Y TKLEGttAPH —SPECIAL REI'OItTEII] WELLINGTON, Wednesday The desirability of providing cheaper wheat for the poultry industry was raised in the House of Representatives to-day by Mr. W. J. Broadfoot (Opposition —Waitomo), in giving notice of a question addressed to the Minister of industries and Commerce, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan. Mr. Broadfoot asked the Minister what steps ho was taking to lower production costs in the industry. "Wheat is 2s 9d per bushel in Sydney," said "Mr. Broadfoot, "but it is being retailed at f>s 9d to the poultryman in New Zealand. Other wheat products are similarly high in price. Expert, labour is also unobtainable, as only thoso unfit to go on public works seem to bo available for the poultry industry."

COURT PROCEDURE

DEBT ACTIONS AND APPEALS [BY TKLKGRAPIl —SPKCIAT, ItKPOIITKII] WELLINGTON, Wednesday New provisions affecting tho procedure in Magistrates' Courts are included in the Statutes Amendment Bill which was introduced in the House today.

In an action for debt it is provided that the assignment for debt is not to be deemed a material part of the cause of action. There is also a technical provision covering appeals with regard to assignment of debt. Another clause states that the giving of notice of appeal is not to operate as a stay of execution or of proceedings unless the Court so orders and the amount of judgment appealed against, together with costs, is deposited with the clerk of tho Court to await the event of the appeal.