AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20316, 26 January 1928, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM. DRIFT FROM COUNTRY TO CITY. (Press Association— By Telegraph—Copyright ) SYDNEY, January 25. The Acting Premier (Mr E. A. Butteushaw) states that the unemployment problem is not nearly so serious as the Government has been led to believe. Only 5000 unemployed are registered in the metropolitan area, and 3000 in the country centres. The Government during tne last three months has spent £IIO,OOO on relief work. The fact that the harvest has been a very light one is probably responsible for the number of men coming from the country to the metropolitan and other industrial centres looking for work, but the recent rains make it possible for the country districts to absorb a lot of file labour which is offering. Replying to this statement Mr J. Garden (secretary of the Labour Council) says that Mr Buttenshaw overlooks the fact that almost 7000 skilled workers,, who do not register at the Labour Bureau, tre our of work. A “no overtime ” policy is being adopted by union members to help their fellow-members who are out of worx. It is stated that the -unemployed at Lithgow, numbering nearly 1000, are plaining a march to Sydney to interview the Governor. LORD SOMERS SYMPATHETIC. PROVIDES MEN WITH MEALS. SYDNEY, January 25. Two hundred unemployed men, carrying a banner announcing that they were hungry, marched to the Premier s office, but he was away. The secretary heard the request of the men for work. As they were leaving they noticed the car of tlie Governor (Lord Somers), and sent a representative to interview him. The Governor was sympathetic, and gave the men a cheque to pay for a meal. The 200 men then marched away to a city cafe, where they had a meal. THE CYCLONE AT NEWCASTLEFIFTEEN HOMES WRECKED. SYDNEY, January 25. The cyclone at Newcastle lasted only 15 minutes. It carried everything before it, and did damage to the extent of £IO,OOO, none of which was covered by insurance. Accompanied by blinding rain, the cyclone tore its way along a clearly-defined route about 50yds wide, through the suburbs of Mayfield and Waratah. Iron and tiled roofs were blown off like paper, and in some instances whirled 100yds away. Apart from slight head injuries suffered by two women who were struck by falling debris, no casualties are reported. Altogether 15 homes were wrecked.