UNEMPLOYED AT DUNEDIN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3524, 27 September 1921, Page 37

UNEMPLOYED AT DUNEDIN.

A RELIEF COMMITTEE SET UP. Some 300 men, alleged to be out of work, attended at the Trades Hall, Dunedin, ou j the 19ih inst, Mr F. Jones (president of the Otago Labour Council) in the chair. Dissatisfaction was expressed in respect to tho work offered by the Government and doubts as to the latter’s sincerity in the matter, as well as the bulk of the statement that the tightness of the money market had much to do with the matter. Several suggestions were made as to the manner in which local bodies might aid the movement for “relief” work being started, a term, by tho way, which was relegated to the “backblocks” as an unhappy designation of works which were of a utilitarian nature. Several pertinent motions having been carried, tlie men paraded, and marched to the Town Hall to interview the Mayor. The position was briefly outlined by the chief spokesman, Mr Jones, and rammed home by Messrs Moss and Sale. The whole position was sized up by the Mayor (Mr J. Douglas) in a sympathetic manner. lie promised to do his best, and said he was at the moment waiting replies from Ministers, and at a special meeting of the council undertook to discuss and to bring to fruition some scheme to overcome the unemployi d trouble in Dunedin. Tho various suggestions made at the meeting at the Trades Hall were submitted to the Mayor as of value, and to tlie point.

At a special meeting of the Dunedin City Council on the 21st it was resolved to vote £IOOO by way of a subsidy to the fund lo be raised by public subscription for providing relief work for the unemployed. At a special meeting of the Otago Harbour Board the chairman (Mr Scollay) waj appointed the delegate to the meeting called by tlie Mayor of Dunedin, an 1 authorised to state that the board would contribute £IOOO to tho relief fund provided the money and Government subsidy be spent on the board’s lands. A meeting of representatives of local bodies and local organisations was held in the Town Hall on Friday to discuss what steps should bfe taken to provide work for the unemployed. The Mayor (Mr J. S. Douglas), who presided, read letters and telegrams which had passed between himself and Ministers. The Hon. Downie Stewart made it clear that there was very little or no prospect of any assistance from the Government, at tho same time intimating that personally he would subscribe £25 for a relief fund. Various suggestions were made by the delegates as to what works might be undertaken. It was decided to set up a relief works executive, to pay the standard rate of wages, and that the relief should he for married men and those with dependents'.