WINTER UNEMPLOYMENT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19465, 28 April 1925, Page 12

WINTER UNEMPLOYMENT.

DEVELOPMENT WORK IX COUNTRY. Mr J. E. MncManiis (secretary of the General Labourers' Union) has written to Mr James Horn, M.P. for Wakatipu, urging him to request the Government immediately to undertake any development works which may be contemplated in his electorate. "In normal times," says Mr MacManus, "when shearing, harvesting, and other seasonal rural occupations aro at an end the workers who are displaced are supplemented by the workers in the interdependent industries which are also similarly affected, such as wool stores, etc. This year, however, the position is likely to be more acute by reason of the following facts : (1) The drawing to a close of th<3 first section of the Beaumont-Roxburgh railway and the fact mat the Government are discharging the men who are employed thereon as the work ceases. (2) The discharging of 150 men at the Tarras and Arclgour irrigation schemes as a result of the work there nearinpr completion, (i) The gradual completion of the Chatto Creek. Galloway, and Shingle Creek irrigation schemes. So far as I can learn the only works in contemplation are: (1) The Arrowtown-Frankton irrigation works; (2) the- second section of the Beaumont-Roxburgh railway line; (3) tVie Earnseleugh irrigation works; (4) the Xaseby irrigation works. The only one of these works, I understand, where men are now employed is the Karnscleugh irrigation scheme. "The gravity of the situation will be intensified by the policy of the City Council in employing men in summer months in layinw Trinidad asphalt and discharging them in the winter season, because it is unsuitable to lay this class' of work in the winter months. I would be grateful if you could see your way to represent these matters to the Government and urge that the above or any other works be expedited with a view to the immediate emplovment of any men who are being displaced."