WORK DECLINED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23708, 15 July 1940, Page 8

WORK DECLINED

100 UNEMPLOYED COMMENT BY MINISTER NO CLAIM ON GOVERNMENT [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Sunday "If men can afford not to accept work in the country at standard rates of pay they have no claim on the Government for further assistance," said the Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb, to-night, when commenting on a report from Christchnrch that approximately 100 unemployed men had declined to go toiwork for the Public Works Department at Stillwater, South Island, because they could not afford to leave their families in town. "It must be definitely understood that work cannot he provided for all seasonal workers in the towns, v Mr. Webb said. "As the work finishes in the towns the men must bo prepared to migrate to where the work is offering. The wages will be in keeping with tho award rates for the classes of work they perform. The men must go where the work is. This policy will apply not only to Christchurch, but throughout Now Zealand." Arrangements had been made, the Minister said, to provide work for all men able to perform it. Many men on No. 13 scheme were not physically fit to compete in the open market for manual labour and the Labour Department was endeavouring to arrange through tho local bodies for light work for them. Men fit to perform the usual developmental work of tho country, such as public works, afforestation and irrigation, would have no difficulty in obtaining jobs. "I am confident that in a short time work will be available for all seasonal workers who are prepared to take it," said the Minister. The only exemptions which would be granted to men from going to where the work was offering would be in the cases of those who would find a move a distinct hardship because of health or family reasons! Every case would be considered on its merits.