CASES OF HARDSHIP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23858, 12 July 1939, Page 9

CASES OF HARDSHIP

MINISTER’S ATTENTION DRAWN DUNEDIN UNEMPLOYED WORKERS A decision was reached at the monthly meeting of the executive of the Dunedin branch of the National Unemployed Workers’ Movement to write complimenting the Minister of Public Works (Mt R Semple) on his good work and farseeing policy for th- benefit of the country, but stating that, whilst he might be justified in his remarks that no one was starving in New Zealand, there still were a fair number of hardship cases in Dunedin. There was a fair attendance at the meetine. and in the absence of MiMark Silverstone (president) who was indisposed, the chair was taken by Mr C. Pollock (vice-president) Correspondence was read from the Christchurch branch and a report was read of this branch’s recent interview in Christchurch with the Minister of Labour (Mr P. C. Webb) in connection with a suggested increase in the sustenance rate. The matter of the higher cost of living was fully discussed by the Christchurch deputation, and a sympathetic hearing war given by the Minister. The thanks of the movement was tendered to the Dunedin Left Book Club for its kind invitation to the play “ Professor Mamlock.” The secretary was instructed to communicate with the Minis'er of Housine (Mr H T, Armstrong) to find out whether, in the event of work terminating in a week’s time, he would assure the men that employment in some other sphere would be found The matter of industrial union units for the territorial force was discussed, and it was decided to communicate with the Prime Minister (Mr M J Savage) and the Minister of Defence (Mr F Jones) in support of such units The organising statement was considered satisfactory, and the financial statement was well in keeping with the present position of the movement The secretary reported that he had attended the Placement Office and the Labour Bureau in regard to complaints, and had received every attention and consideration. General discussion took place on matters affecting the unemployed, and it was decided to place before Government members all cases of distress coming before the movement.