SKILLED WORKERS

Southland Times, Issue 21101, 5 June 1930, Page 5

SKILLED WORKERS

CARPENTERS AND JOINERS.

UNABLE TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT.

(Per United Press' Association.)

Wellington, June 4

Difficulties being experienced by skilled workers in obtaining employment were related to the Hon. E. A. Ransom to-day by a deputation of about 70 unemployed members of the Wellington branch of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners. It was stated that the present position of unemployment in the carpentering and joinery trade was unprecedented, the number of men out of work being described as appalling. Mr Stobart, president of the Carpenters and Joiners’ Association himself out of work although with 30 years’ experience, appealed for the Government to provide work for those in the trade. He expressed the opinion that the present position was worse than that of 1908, and mentioned the new railway station, completion of Parliament buildings and other works that might be gone on with. The Minister gave a sympathetic reply, but was afraid the works mentioned would not be regarded as immediately necessary, nor would they be reproductive. Mr Ransom complained of the growing attitude to consider the Government as the only source of unemployment relief, and emphasized that everyone must do their part. He* outlined what the Government was doing to provide relief generally.