UNEMPLOYMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16470, 5 July 1921, Page 7

UNEMPLOYMENT.

“ A BURNING QUESTION.” “ Unemployment is becoming a burning question,” said Councillor H. TArmstrong at last evening’s meeting of the City Council. “It is very much more serious than some councillors imagine.” The discussion began as the result of a letter from the District lvepatriation Officer asking if the council would receive a deputation irom the Canterbury Repatriation Board to discuss the matter of employment, for returned soldiers. Councillor A. Williams moved that the deputation should be asked to wait on the Works and rteserves Committees. Councillor Armstrong said that the council should assist the Repatriation Board if it could possibly do so. Th*» council, he believed, could assist. He moved as an amendment that the deputation should to heard by vhe council. Councillor Williams said that nw idea was to save time.

Councillor Armstrong said that he was not on the Works Committee and he wished to hear the deputation. A motion by Councillor Archer that the deputation should be heard at next mee-.ng of the council was carried without dissent. Councillor Archer said that he thought the council would sooner or later have to do something to relieve unemployment.

Councillor J. A. nesher said. that the clearing up of the new block in Mane hester Street and the laying owe of Waltham Park would provide work during the coming montns. Councillor F. R. Cooke said that dozens of people, women as well as r» en, were out of work, and the Government was trying to reduce wages. Councillor W. JI. Winsor: Is that in order ?

The Mayor: Oh! It’s all right. Councillor Cooke, you must not talk politics here. Councillor H F. Herbert- said that ot a member of tlie Works Committee ho would to meet the Repatriation officer. Every effort should be made to provide work for returned soldiers, and other men out of employment. Tt was agreed that the Works Ccm mittee should consider the matte before next meeting.