CORRESPONDENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 January 1923, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM. (To the Editor.) Sir,—Last year we had quite a number of single and married men seeking employment in the winter months in New Plymouth, but unfortunately finding none. The coffers of all our local .bodies were then empty. As a result tohse who were charitably disposed were called upon to share their savings in order to relieve the situation, and relief works were started following an unemployment scare. Indications point to the possibilities of a similar state of affairs when the harvest has been won, and the cows begin to “go off.” and the men who were sent away from oyr towns to the country are compelled to return for the winter months to look for food and shelter. What action are our public bodies taking to be in a position to meet a similar situation if It does arise, as they are undoubtedly the persons who should act? The unemployment problem is a real cue In the Homeland, and will also be here unless faced squarely. My suggestion Is as follows, as far as Taranaki is concerned: That we start a fund, to be called the Taranaki and City Improvement jTund, and that it be administered by the chairman of the county councils interested, th 6 Mayors of New Plymouth and Waitara. My idea is to plant a belt of trees along our coast, from the White Cliffs to the East Cape, with workmen’s huts scattered all along, and in time small seaside resorts. will spring up. I would further suggest that work for the benefit of the district as a whole be undertaken with money supplied by the public, and which will not involve future generations in heavy taxation. I would offer to all who apply constant work only whilst no other work was offering, and provided they worked consistently and regularly, but that they only receive payment for two or three days a week, the balance to be their contribution to the improvement of the district. No doubt my scheme could be Improved upon, but under my proposal every man wanting it would have employment to go to, and be assured of shelter and food without depending on charity. I am induced to bring this under your notice, Mr. Editor, by the fact that to-dky I was again called upon to pay for a feed at a restaurant for a. man who has gone without a meal all day, want* work, and there is none offering of any kind. I imay be wrong—l hope I am—but I fear for the coming winter. In any case after our last winter’s experience it behoves us to be ready.—l am, etc.,. PRO BONO PUBLICO. New Plymouth, January 18th.