THE BUDGET AND UNEMPLOYMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22353, 29 August 1934, Page 15

THE BUDGET AND UNEMPLOYMENT

TO THE EDITOR Sib, —“Unemployment; A Brighter Outlook; Remission of Twopence in the £ ” — BUC h are the headlines appearing in ■ your issue of the 24th inst. Tidings, calculated, according to Mr Coates, to gladden the hearts and open up the pockets of the taxpayer. After a close scrutiny of the Budget and comments thereon .1 fail to see therein one gleam of hope

for the general body of unemployed. Furthermore, 1 challenge any honest thinking, conscientious person to gather from it that ray of light for which this I long-suffering section of the community have been patiently looking for tnc past few years. Certainly the Government have, for reasons of their own (not connected with any high-minded principles they possess) made a slight concession to the public servants, but, if they are in need of assistance, how much more do I the unemployed require it? "Public works; no new money needed,” 1 should think noli The Unemployment Fund is, and lias been for a long time, supplying to a considerable extent the needs ot the I Public Works Department. In fact, the fund seems to be backing quite a number of prospects to the detriment of those for whom it was originated, the genuine unemployed. A point that is conveniently forgotten by politicians, and in fact by a i great majority of onr citizens, is that 25 per cent, of the registered unemployed arc returned soldiers. These men went through a hell of war. and are now suffering the inevitable bell of its aftermath. That they should have .received a greater amount to .take life than they now receive to sustain themselves, their wives and families is a continuing disgrace to a' country which could well afford to provide them with work, thus enabling them to earn sufficient money to place all outside the reach of want and worry. Surely a country’s gratitude could rise to that extent. —I am. etc., Bad Seasons, 1913-1034.