UNEMPLOYMENT RISING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27082, 17 May 1949, Page 5

UNEMPLOYMENT RISING

SURVEY IN UNITED.. STATES I BUSINESS MEN FEAR STRIKE WAVE NZPA—Copyright Rec. 9 p.m. NEW YORK, May 15. The hoped for spring rise in employment has not yet made itself felt in most sections of the United States, reports the New York Times after surveying 20 major cities. Many business 'men now expert no real pickup in industrial activity until the'autumn. The survey shows that unemployment is still rising slightly in some areas and levelling off in others. The Pacific coast and parts of the south were the only places showing a slight drop in unemployment. The chief threat seen by business spokesmen is that there might be prolonged strikes in metal, steel or other basic industries this summer. They warned that a strike wave would have a disastrous effect on efforts to stabilise economy at a level 25 per cent, above pre-war production. Union officials contend that the biggest need for economic stability is the expansion of purchasing power through lower prices and higher wages. They maintain, that the productive capacity of the United States is sufficient to guarantee a living standard 50 per cent, above pre-war levels if the means are found to expand purchasing power. AID FROM CANADA BRITAIN’S TRADE TROUBLES Rec. 11 p.m. " OTTAWA, May 16. Canada was prepared to give all the help she could to ease the United Kingdam’s trade troubles, the Trade Minister, Mr C. D. Howe, said on the eve of trade talks with Mr Harold Wilson, president of the British Board of Trade. Mr Howe said Britain’s troubles stemmed from the selling problem, and if there was any way of easing that problem Canada would help. The talks are expected to centre around Britain’s desire to sell more heavy machinery in Canada. Mr Howe said the talks would be complementary to his recent visit to Britain when he obtained agreements for the sale of an additional 25,000,000 dollars worth of Canadian tinned salmon, flour and timber. •