UNEMPLOYMENT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20318, 28 January 1928, Page 10

UNEMPLOYMENT.

GRAVE POSITION IN AUCKLAND. GLOOMY OUTLOOK FOR WINTER. (Special to Datlt Thus.) AUCKLAND, January 27. The present unemployment situation in Auckland *is viewed with concern by social workers and others in touch with the position. During the past few weeks it was stated, matters have gone from bad to worse instead of improving, am was confidently anticipated, and to-day there are registered with the Labour Department the names of some 800 persons who want work. This, unfortunately, does not represent nearly all who are unemployed, a prominent social worker stating that the actual number was nearer 2000. An official of the Labour Department stated that very little work was offering. During some weeks they were abje to place upwards of 100 men, but so tar this week the number placed had been less than 30. The demand for farm labour was not so brisk as it usually was, owing, probably, to the restriction; of farming activities due to the long dry spell.

“ The position at present is just about as bad as it can possibly be,” said the Rev. Jasper Galder, dty missjoner. • I have talked it over with other social workers, and they all agree that the problem }s a serious one here. We are in the middle of summer, and unemployment and distress are almost as bad as was the ease last winter.” The present position is unprecedented in Mr Calder's 18 years experience in Auckland. They were at their wits' end to provide relief, and in addition were faced with a shortage of money owing to a falling off in contributions compared with previous years and an unusually heavy demand on their resources.

“ I am afraid to think of what the position will be during the coming winter,” he added. “ Decent honest people who have been in employment for many years have now come down to seeking our help. It hurts many of them terribly, but what can they do?”