CONTINUATION OF WORK

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17498, 19 June 1931, Page 3

CONTINUATION OF WORK

UNEMPLOYMENT BELIEF GOVERNMENT’S DECISION STATEMENT BY PREMIER 6 (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. The Prime Minister announced today that the Government hacl given further consideration to the unemployment, problem and to the numerous representations which had been made for a continuation of scheme No. 5.

Mr. Forbes stated that, although the facts of his previous statement and the reasons which led up to the announcement of the suspension of No. 5 scheme had in no way been altered, the Government, has, under the special circumstances, and in view of the whole-hearted demand from all parts of the Dominion, decided upon a temporary continuance of the scheme. Mr. Forbes stated that one of the first duties Parliament would have to consider was the question ,of funds for the Unemployment Board and the Government intended to bring down legislation at the earliest opportunity in the forthcoming session with this end in view. In the meantime, however, as a result. of earnest representations, and with a view to relieving the unfortunate position in which many of our people arc placed through lack of employment, the Government has decided upon ,tho continuance of the scheme until such time as Parliament could deal with the problem. Additional finance, which would be based on the largo numbers of unemployed now to be dealt with, was essential. The Government realised its responsibility for stability, and the increase of th 6 unemployment funds would rest upon Parliament, and as the session would commence within a week, he had every hope that reasonable provision would be made so that relief could be continued.

The Unemployment Board will adjourn for a week irorn to-morrow, following upon the settlement of the question of providing work for men employed under No. 5 scheme until Parliament votes more money for relief purposes. The commitments already made will absorb tho greater part, of the £(50,000 required to carry the scheme on until Parliament meets.

As a result of the Government's decision 30,000 men on relief works will be kept in employment, also 8327 men now engaged on farm work and about 1800 on drainage works in diffefenj; parts of tho country.