UNEMPLOYMENT

Southland Times, Issue 20496, 26 May 1928, Page 8

UNEMPLOYMENT

A SERIOUS POSITION AUTHORITIES’ METHODS SEVERELY CRITICIZED PREMIER'S ATTITUDE CONDEMNED (Per United Press Association./ Wellington, May 25. Dissatisfaction with the dilatory manner in which the authorities are tackling the problem of relief works was expressed at a crowded meeting of unemployed in the Trades Hall this morning. Mr. McKeen, M.P., expressed greater dissatisfaction with the City Council activities than those of the Government, because the Mayor, knowing definitely the Government was prepared to subsidize on the same basis as last year, had done nothing. Mr. R. Semple condemned the attitude of the Premier as dictatorial. It was not one to put things right, but was that of an autocrat. How, he asked, could a man keep his dependants on casual labour at twelve shillings a day? making allowances for medical and other expenses. Mr Bromley and Mr Fraser, M.P., also spoke. The latter, referring to the appeal for subscriptions for the Dominion museum and art gallery, said flesh and blood should come before the beautification of the city. The dilatoriness of the civic authorities was inexcusable. They decided to canvass the city in an endeavour to attract all classes of citizens to a meeting on Sunday.