The Stratford Evening Post With which is Incorporated "THE EGMONT SETTLER" (Established 1890.) MAY 6, 1933. Are They in Earnest?

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 236, 6 May 1933, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post With which is Incorporated "THE EGMONT SETTLER" (Established 1890.) MAY 6, 1933. Are They in Earnest?

kT last it is indicated that the Government intends to make *l n resolute effort to cope with the unemployment problem. The position is not nearly so serious as Mr. Holland declares, but it is quite bad enough with the figures accurately stated, says the Southland News. It is now believed that important public works of a reproductive character are to be undertaken to be financed partly from loan money and partly from the unemployment fund. It is surprising that the virtues of such a policy did not commend themselves to the Coalition a year, or nearly two years, ago. Surely there is no risk in undertaking work of a reproductive nature, especially when the need for- profitable occupation is so grent. As for the financing of the new enterprise a loan secured by the annual unemployment tax contributions should suffice to meet all requirements in this connection. What the Government will include under the description of necessary works it would be difficult to say. It has already suspended operations on railway trunk lines and slowed down on hydro-electric construction. It has economised without discrimination in every direction, and it will be interesting to see what is considered of sufficient value to claim Ministerial approval. It would seem that there is a prospect of speeding vp in land settlement. Ihe question was given prominence by the Minister concerned a few Jays ago and what appealed to have been shelved is evidently to be given prominence shortly. We are convinced that if such measures had Veen adopted immediately the Government began to feel its fee! after the general election we would have been in a much better position today. Acountry of this size, so richly endowed and with a ccr.'ain market for practically all it can export, should not be cariying a burden of 70,000 worklesp nver a long period, when a little courage on the part of our legislators would have provided die machinery for an effective developmental scheme absorbing practically the whole of those who required employment. I his delay has meant imprudent expenditure of many millions, because there is very little to show for the amount devoted to what are euphemistically called relief works, but which in truth in most instances are worse-than a.complete waste »oi time and money. Should the question of providing employment on developmental undertakings be laced in a whole-hearted manner a distinct reduction in number of registrations at the Labour bureaux should b< oeord.id as a result, and lh : : progn-NS, Would l.<- maintained, instead ol the iiguii-s llucl n.it ii>' I ><:l w. <-ii i'»o,o 00 and /fhoOO even wiu-si <easonabh- . >c<"u|>;<l ions ,u<-