UNEMPLOYMENT IN SOUTH

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12470, 11 June 1926, Page 3

UNEMPLOYMENT IN SOUTH

PROPOSED LOAN WORK AFFORESTATION CONSIDERED PAYABLE. Per Press Association. ■ CHRISTCHURCH, June 10. The unemployment question was discussed at a meeting to-dav at which the Mayor, Mr J. K. Archer, presided. Mr Archer said they had not put into operation the organisation of former years as they had promised to co-operate with the Government. As a result they had no funds and all they knew about the unemployment position was what they learned from the newspapers. The Government would validate a loan but he did not know whether the finance committee of the council would sanction a loan for providing work for unemployed. Mr W. E. Leadley said they should raise a loan to establish permanent reproductive works. His idea was afforestation work in the vicinity of the city. Such a scheme would provide a solution of the unemployed problem every winter and give a handsome return in future.

Mr A. W. Worrall, secretary, General Labourers’ Union, said 1200 freezing workers finished up last month, and 400 more would finish this month. The majority of these men remained about. The city labour department’s books showed 200 men out of work, but he said there were many more than that. It was stated that 40 men were being employed by public works on hill roads. It was decided to organise on the same lines as last., year, to get into touch with the City Council and local bodies to see if they agree to subsidise approved works. It was also decided to ask the city finance committee for a subsidy up to £750.