WORK FOR UNEMPLOYED.

Otago Witness, Issue 3961, 11 February 1930, Page 24

WORK FOR UNEMPLOYED.

STATEMENT BY MR E. A. RANSOM. WELLINGTON, February 5. The Minister of Public Works” (Mr E. A. Ranson) announced to-day that the construction works at the ' southern (Parnassus) end of the South Island main trunk railway would be commenced at the beginning of next week with a number of married men from Christchurch, and that he had also issued instructions for the staff of workmen at the northern end of the line to be increased next week by the employment of additional married men from Christchurch. He also stated that authority had been issued for three road works in the Rotorua district and the clearing of some land attached to the Government sanatorium. These works will provide employment for about 160 men, including 100 married men who are to be engaged from Auckland. Two of the roads are being constructed for the purpose of providing improved access to an area of pumaceous land which is to be developed by the Government and then thrown open for settlement.

INTENSIVE CULTIVATION. DANNEVIRKE. February 8. Speaking at the opening of a new dairy factory at Kiritaki, the Minister of Public Works (Mr E. A. Ransom) briefly referred to the subject of unemployment. He said that as he travelled around the Dominion and saw large tracts of country unproductive he was convinced that there was the solution of the problem, if people desired to work. There were large tracts of country not properly developed, which could be brought into profit. They had to make their land produce more, and this could only be done by intensive cultivation. He was pleased to say that the Maoris in North Auckland district realised this, and were carrying it out to advantage.