UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21543, 15 January 1932, Page 8

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — In this morning’s paper there is a letter along the same lines of one in Tuesday’s issue, and a further one which also goes to show it is an organisation that is needed to enable the unemployed to provide for themselves. Otago has the reputation for doing things. From Otago many movements and businesses have been started which are now throughout New Zealand. There has never been a time when an organisation soundly founded has been more wanted than to-day. Why should Otago not face this real and immediate need and deal with it? Use the Drill Hall as the depot. Get a competent capable manager. There are as good men unemployed as employed, but, if one suitable is not amongst the unemployed, get him from the employed even if his salary is to be paid by public subscription. Why the responsibility of securing the 'right man to the Chamber of Commerce which represents the manager’s fraternity? Give the manager a carefully Selected board to see that things are got and done, the board to comprise, say, a public accountant, a farmer, a merchant, a manufacturer, a gardener, a stock and station agent, and an officer or ex-officer of his Majesty’s Forces. These men to be of undoubted integrity—proved successful in their respective careers and to have a keen knowledge of human nature, _ The unemployed to have a women’s committee and a men s committee for the investigating of their own affairs and to see that all have fair and reasonable treatment. The members of these committees to be approved by the manager and the board. With an organisation such as this to arrange the facilities and to control the affairs the unemployed can find labour and can for a share of the returns milk cows, grow potatoes and vegetables, and wheat, etc., cut wood, hew coal, and provide most of the requirements for themselves and even others and with little cost to the country. Can any middleman, those employed, those unemployed, or can any of your readers find fault with such a scheme —a scheme which would be so simple in operation? Sir, can you not wake up those men who have made businesses in Otago and expanded them successfully _ throughout New Zealand —businesses which are now employing many hands —and get these men to give their brains and experience to organise and place on a sound basis such d scheme? —I am, etc., January 14. Daylight.