THE UNEMPLOYED

Southland Times, Issue 21576, 14 December 1931, Page 7

THE UNEMPLOYED

Relief of Distress CHRISTMAS APPEAL Mr Coates’s Message The following Christmas appeal is issued to readers of the Southland Times by the Minister in Charge of Unemployment, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates:— “Our country approaches Christmas with little short of 50,000 unemployed men. Untill we can absorb them in useful employment, only a few days’ work in the week can be provided from the limited funds available. Many homes are deprived of necessities, let alone oven the simplest luxuries. One day’s work will mean the difference between privation and a little comfort in the home.

“My appeal is that every citizen who is fortunately in employment to-day should seek a way to help. Offer a day s employment if this is possible for, let us say, 10/-. A card to “The Officer in Charge, Employment Bureau, Labour Department, Invercargill, will enable a man to be put in touch with you. Or if work can be offered to a woman, that officer will gladly arrange for the services of someone who needs the work and the wage.

“Some who are prepared to help will not be able to offer actual work. I am confident that they will respond generously to one or more of the appeals for cash now before the public of Invercargill on behalf of social service organizations. Others, again, will be able to help by sending some goods, whether farm produce or clothing, or anything that is needed by the relief depots. If these people communicate with the Mayor of Invercargill I am sure they will be told how their gifts may be best directed.”