UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF.

Otago Witness, Issue 3993, 23 September 1930, Page 46

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF.

FACTIONAL INTERESTS AT WORK OFFICIAL LABOUR STATEMENT. WELLINGTON, September 17. A statement issued on behalf of the four Wellington Labour members of Parliament —Messrs R. M'Keen, R. Semple, C. H. Chapman, and P. Fraser —says, that they agree in regretting the result of the meeting called by the Mayor for the purpose of promoting a public appeal for the relief of those suffering from unemployment. It is clear, says the statement, that the opposition which was responsible for such a foolish decision was organised from what is recognised as the headquarters of the Communist group, and was not really already approved should be commenced representative of the hundreds of w-orkers at present unemployed in Wellington. Thq public should get that fact clear beyond dispute. Labour members agree, and those of them who are city councillors have strongly advocated that all works and pushed ahead immediately, and that everything possible should be done by every available means to absorb in employ, ment men who are at present unemployed. The attitude of the Trades Council in placing alternative proposals before the meeting was a perfectly reasonable course and could not be objected to. Those who apparently demonstrated their foolish pleasure at the temporary frustration of an effort on behalf of the unemployed were in no way associated with the trade union movement or the Labour Party. AUCKLAND TROTTING MEETING. TOTAL OF £7494 AVAILABLE. AUCKLAND, September 17. A total-of £7494 is now available for the relief of unemployed in Auckland as the result of the special race meeting held by the Auckland Trotting Club on August 30 and September 1. The Auckland Hospital Board and the Auckland City Council each receive £3747, one half of the total. The board will spend its share in relieving distress caused by unemployment, and the council will use its half in providing work for men at , present unemployed. The profit on the meeting was £2082, and the Government taxation to be refunded totalled £5412, • Tha Hospital Board and City Council teach receive from the club a cheque for £lO4l, and from the Department of Internal Affairs a cheque for £2706.