UNEMPLOYED DIFFICULTIES

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1931, Page 12

UNEMPLOYED DIFFICULTIES

HAWERA MEN MEET TWICE.

GENERAL AIRING OF TROUBLES.

During the past week the registered unemployed men of Hawera have met on two occasions, the first meeting being convened by Mr. A. G. Faulkner, chairman of the • Workers’ Unemployed Committee, and the second being the weekly meeting of the men for the purposes of the allocation of the week’s work. ,

The first meeting saw about 40 men attend., the chairman explaining to the News yesterday that he had convened the meeting in order to permit any 'complaints and dissatisfaction to reach the Unemployment Relief Committee, through the correct channels. Mr. Faulkner then enumerated a number of grievances, which he claimed had been mentioned to him by unemployed workers and were, by no manner of means, his own personal opinions. His reason in placing then before the men was, he said, to allow them all to hear them and decide whether they were in any why substantiated by fact, and, if so, to decide what action it was advisable to take.

Among the matters raised at the meeting were the questions of consideration of physical fitness in the allocation of the work, the ultimate destination of proceeds from social functions advertised as for the assistance of unemployed, the question of whether Hawera should organise an old clothes drive, the work of the Women’s National Reserve, and whether or not all the members of the Hawera Unemployed Relief Committee were doing what they might to relieve the situation.

Following considerable discussion a committee of four was appointed by the meeting to wait upon the Unemployment Relief Committee to discuss the position as "it affected the unemployed of the district. During the different debates several contentious and, in the opinion of .other unemployed men, unfair statements .were made. As a result of this the second general meeting of unemployed workers passed a motion dissociating itself from the opinions expressed at the former meeting. It was also decided to write a letter of appreciation to the Women’s National Reserve expressing the sincere thanks of the unemployed of the district for the wonderful service its members had rendered to the men and. their families. AUROA NOTES. ESTEEMED TEACHER LEAVES. Tlie news of Mrs. Evans’ sudden departure from the local school to that at Tariki came as a.great shock to both pupils and parents. In school Mrs. Evans’ influence proved very valuable, and outside the school her work and aims were reflected in the much improved appearance of the school grounds and those around the school house. The tone of the pupils both inside and outside the school showed wonderful improvement under the guidance of Mrs. Evans. Although notice of her leaving was so short the children gathered together on Friday afternoon, and Marie Cave in a neat speech, on behalf of all, asked Mrs. Evans to accept a token of their affection and esteem; and wished her every , happiness at Tariki. Miss Nellie Lyndon is spending a holiday with Mr. and Mrs, Churchill, Oka to. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lyndon have been spending a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Lyndon, Auroa. \ AWATUNA NOTES. BRIGHT GATHERINGS HELD. On Tuesday Mrs. Hutchings, Oeo Road, gars a very pleasant afternoon do .'gfesist the Red Cross Society with funds to send representatives to Wellington for competitions. A party of artists kindly came from Hawera and gave a high-class programme of songs, recitations, duets and violin solos. Mrs. Strange and Mrs. M. R. Jones delighted all with their items. Mrs. H. Davidson proved the winner of a competition. Mrs. Veitch thanked all for contributing towards the Red Cross funds, and Mrs. Hutchings for giving the afternoon. On the motion of Mrs. Hutchings a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the visiting performers. One of the most successful “cheer up” evenings of the season was. held in Awatuna Hall on Friday, when Mrs. Alty and Mrs. Nicolls were hostesses. Visitors were present from all parts of Taranaki. The entertainment comprised dancing, community singing, musical items and competitions, An orchestra, comprising Mr. (piano), Mj(. Cliff Parkinson (cornet) and Messrs A. Riley and Turner (violins) supplied beautiful dance music. Mr. McClusky and Miss G. Hughes played items on their steel guitars and were encored. Miss M. Hughes played extras on the piano. Much appreciated songs were rendered by Mrs. Giskinn (Waverley) and Mr. Reid (Patea). Mr. A. Riley had to respond to several encores for his musical monologues. Mr. McClusky was the life of the evening as M.C. and leader of the community singing. Mr. H. Korte won a competition and received a box of chocolates. -Monte Carlo dances were won by Miss Hey and Mr. R. Frost, and by Miss Josie Bourke and Master Pat Bourke. An extra Monte Carlo dance vith a special prize, donated by Mr. McClusky, was won by little Audrey Bourke (aged five) and little Bobby Duckett (aged three). Mr. Hey thanked all those who had come from a distance to make the evening such a success. All old friends were pleased to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Parkinson among them again for the evening. They used to farm on the O’eo Road.

The Rev. J. A. Ry burn, Eltham, conducted service on Sunday at the local Presbyterian Church and expressed appreciation of the work of the district as disclosed by the recent commission. He also congratulated the elders and members on having carried out their extra duties during the minister's illness.

Mrs. Kedgley has returned home from hospital. ■ ..Wenoyas has returned.from i'..holiday. •