DISTRESSED AREAS

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1935, Page 5

DISTRESSED AREAS

COMMISSIONER REPORTS MANY r RECOMMENDATIONS PENSIONS AND SUBSIDIES SETTLEMENT OF FAMILIES By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 7.5 p.m. London, July 17. Mr. Malcolm Stewart, the commissioner appointed to investigate distressed areas, in his first report makes sweeping recommendations to the Government. The report recommends increased pensions at the age of 65 years, shorter working hours, a compulsory week’s holiday on full pay, the settlement of 200,000 families on the land, shorter hours in suitable industries with the help of Government subsidies, State ownership of mining royalties and production licenses for new industries protected by tariffs, provided Suitable pledges were given in respect of labour. Mr. Stewart also suggests the re-open-ing of negotiations with the Dominions for Empire migration. He stressed inadequacy of his powers. The report is a curious blend of optimism and pessimism. It declares that the outlook for coal is not bright but that the future is hopeful if scientific methods are employed.

The report advocates reorganisationof the steel industry, while admitting _it would bring more distress in the special areas. It criticises quotas, saying it is impossible to understand how a system control which bolsters up inefficiency can be to the national advantage. “The Government,” declares the Manchester Guardian, “did not expect Mr. Stewart to become a nuisance by stressing his limited powers, which it would embarrass the Government to extend, as the recommendations are counter to its policy.”