UNEMPLOYMENT IN TAIERI

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21989, 26 June 1933, Page 10

UNEMPLOYMENT IN TAIERI

TO THE EDITOR.

Sib, —Would you kindly grsut me space in your paper to mention how some of ns unemployed in Mosgiel are treated cruelly by the local body who allots out the time each week to men here? According to the Government revised scheme, married men with four children were to get five days per week for three weeks at 10s per day—fifteen days a month at £7 10s. This we have not received at all. Instead we have had 12 days at 10s per day, equalling £6 a month. Now, in the winter when we can do with a little extra, we have been cut . down still more—to' 3$ days a week, equalling 10J days per month, which brings in £5, This is absolute starvation at this time of the year. It has proved useless complaining to' the postmaster, as he is not in a position to knpw what young children require, and it seems as though others on his committee, are the same, We have no rations out here, and no cheap goods of any sort. Everything we have to purchase is at prices far higher than town prices. If the Government allowance for a four-day man is allotted fairly there will be no need for hunger, but 3j days’ work is very insufficient.. Is this all that a returned soldier is entitled to? —especially when he has been compelled to work at‘his trade. We in the Taieri have been very patient and quiet. Are we, however, to be deprived of the right to live? I may ask, did our councillors, etc.,! say that in 1914-1918? If not, let them give us what we are entitled to. There, is one other thing I would suggest, that the Government investigation officer pay a visit to North Taieri School, where men have bad to supply their own, tools to complete dole work. Can you enlighten Us how much time we are entitled to each month? —I am, etc., Returned Man. North Taieri, June 20.

[The amount of relief work allocated is entirely governed by the amount of the weekly allocation received from the Unemployment Board. Upon making inquiries we learn that the allocation for the current four-weekly period is only 68.5 per cent, of the maximum amount allowed under the Unemployment Board’s revised scheme. The local Unemployment Committee has, together witty members of Parliament, made repeated requests for an increase in the allocation, but has always met with a refusal from the Uneim ployment Board. — Ed., O.D.T.]