UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

Taranaki Daily News, 13 June 1930, Page 11

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF

VOLUNTARY DONATION PLAN

Adoption in new ply’mouth.

SUBSIDIES FROM TWO QUARTERS.

The collection of voluntary subscriptions from employees, which will be subsidised by the employers and the Government, was decided upon yesterday at a meeting of tho New Plymouth Unemployment Relief Committee as a means of alleviating the distress through unemployment in the winter. The system is similar to that in vogue in 1928,

Mr. P. E. Stainton, chairman, said a finance committee consisting of Messrs. C. H. Burgess, R. Fulton, C. Carter, the Mayor (Mr. H. V, S. Griffiths) and himself had met on Tuesday to consider proposals and cjecide upon the most satisfactory. Realising that the only way by which success could be achieved would be co-opcra-tiori, the committee had deemed it best to revert to the voluntary subscription system. It would mean that those in a position to do so would donate a part of their earnings and this, together with the employers’ and Government subsidy, would be used to provide funds to maintain those more unfortunate on relief works.

“New Plymouth,” continued Mr. Stainton, “must again show that it can help itself.” The borough council had already provided £lO9O, carrying £Bs*o Government subsidy. Since confirmation of that subsidy had been received the Government had decided to improve the basis on which State subsidy was'payable in respect of unemployment relief works from £1 for £1 to £2 for £l. Upon receipt of this information the Hon. S. G. Smith, Minister of Labour, wired the Minister of Finance, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, asking that the borough’s £lOOO be subsidised ! -£2 for £l. A reply had been received' stating that the request was receiving consideration. Without tho extra money which might be received in the way of additional subsidy, New Plymouth had sufficient' funds, to permit belief wdrk to-continue for some weeks. With regular contributions coming to hand steady employment would be assured. Every unemployed mat would have a turn, those with more dependants receiving more work.

The donation system was rather unsatisfactory in some ways, concluded Mr. Stainton, but, if co-operation became tho basis of understanding, it would “fill the bill.”

Mr. J. McLeod, as a member of the 1928 committee, said he was in favour of the scheme but like to see more force exercised in certain quarters. It was his contention that, a strong sub-committee qjiould interview employers and ask that they should use their power and so induce employees on good salaries and with no dependents to realise their responsibilities and subscribe to the fund.

“I had originally intended to speak against the adoption of the voluntary donation system,” said Mr. H. Fleming. “However, as it appears from remarks passed at this meeting that a national solution will soon come into force, I shall support it. Money from every available source should be used.” Mr. R. Fulton then asked Mr. Smith if the voluntary contributions would carry the £2 for £1 subsidy. It was explained that the Government was being less rigid with subsidy regarding transport. The basis, was 90 per cent, for wages and 40 per cent, for material. A subsidy of £2 for £1 was given where the awrnrd rates were paid, and £1 for £1 where the standard wage was not paid. The Minister said he would look carefully into the new allocation of subsidy upon his return to Wellington and inform the committee how it affected it.