“ PURE BLUFF.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20801, 21 August 1929, Page 10

“ PURE BLUFF.”

UNEMPLOYMENT QUESTION. PRIME MINISTER CRITICISED. (Special to Bail* Times.) AUCKLAND, August 20. “ I consider this a very cleverly written letter,” stated Mr W' Wallace, chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, when a further letter was received from the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward), referring to the question of unemployment relief, which the board urges is a national problem and not one for local body consideration.” “It is just a piece of pure bluft',” Mr Wallace added. “The Prime Minister and his party went into office with a cure for unemployment as one of the chief planks in their platform. They said they would abolish unemployment, but it seems to me to be getting worse the whole time. They are producing no cure whatever. I think the Government is shirking its responsibility in regard to unemployment.’' The Prime Minister stated in his letter that the unemployment problem was being dealt with by the Government as a national question in that employment was being found for large numbers on public works in addition to special works such as forestry. “ I am unable to agree, however, with the resolution ot your board to the effect that the relief of unemployment is entirely a national question and should not become a charge on local rates,” the letter stated. “In my opinion, the assistance of the local authorities in respect of overcoming unemployment is a necessary function of local government.’* Several members protested against the tenor of the letter, stating that it was not an adequate reply to the board’s contentions. A special committee was appointed to frame a reply.