UNEMPLOYMENT QUERIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 530, 6 December 1928, Page 8

UNEMPLOYMENT QUERIES

EARLY REFERENCES IN PARLIAMENT HIGHER RELIEF WAGES ASKED FOR (THE SUX’B Parliamentary Kepoetet* WELLINGTON. Wednesday iHe question of uncmploym, n i lifted its Head early in the bus"*« portion of the present session of Parliament. As soon as quertion time came there were inquiries about work and wages. The subject was introduced by Mr J. O’Brien (Westland). He asked of the Minister of Public Works (Hon. K. S. Williams) that the rate of wages f or unemployment relief jobs be raised 12s and 9s a day to standard rates. Good workers on jobs in Westland were only make from 4s 6d to Ts 6d a dav, were getting Is only a cubic yard for their work. This rate was totally inadequate. Returned soldiers on th e works were pactlcally starving. Mr. Speaker: I’m afraid there’s a good deal of argument In the question. Next was Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Avon) who asked that the Prime Minister fßt’ Hon. J. G. Coates) inquire into the prevalence of unemployment, and to see if immediate arrangements could be made for relief. The Prime Minister replied that he would be pleased to make inquiries. In June last, the Dominion figures for unemployment were 3,300; in October 3,360; and at present 1,600. Mr. Sullivan: That is in the heart of summer. The unemployed miners at Blackball were the consideration of Mr. H. F.' Holland (Duller). He asked Minister of Public Works to see if employment could be found for these men. The Roa Mine had been closed down, and in consequence the owners of the Blackball mine had decided to dispense with one shift, which placed JS<i men on the market. The speaker had urged before that the men be placed on work on the Duller railway, and he would make that request again. The Minister said that he needed a little time before he could answer the question. He would have to find oik what effect such procedure would have on the men already in jobs. Mr. Holland: Will you make the inquiries quickly?