CONFERENCE MAY NOT BE NECESSARY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 143, 18 June 1931, Page 9

CONFERENCE MAY NOT BE NECESSARY.

MAYOR WAITING FOR MR FORBES’S STATEMENT.

Preliminary steps have been taken by the Mayor (Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P.) for calling a conference of local bodies in Christchurch to discuss what action should be taken to carry on relief measures if the No. 5 scheme is suspended in accordance with the announcement made by the Government and no substitute provided for it. The Mayor said to-day that he had notices prepared calling a conference for next Tuesday afternoon at 2.30 o’clock. The invitations to the local bodies, however, were being held up at present until it was ascertained definitely what action the Government intended to take in regard to the matter. If the Prime Minister announced that the No. 5 scheme was to be continued or some substitute provided, the conference would not be necessary. A similar position exists in regard to the proposal that the Finance and Works Committee of the council should hold a combined meeting to discuss relief measures. The chairmen of these committees have been appointed to draft reports for submission to a joint meeting, but further action is dependent upon what is proposed to be done by the Prime Minister. Should the Government decide to take adequate steps to provide relief measurec the joint meeting of the two committees will not be held.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE URGES INCREASED LEVY. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, June 18. The Chamber of Commerce passed a resolution recommending to the Government that as it is obvious that its present finances are insufficient the Government should increase the unemployment levy, relief workers to be exempt. The mover said that the levy should not be paid by earners of less than £4 10s a week. The chairman of the Hospital Board, in an interview with the Hon. W. A. Veitch, strongly urged that the Government should raise a compulsory internal loan for unemployment relief. FARMERS PROMISE FOOD SUPPLIES FOR WORKLESS. Per Press Association. HAWERA. June 18. A meeting of 400 town and country residents was held last night to devise means providing subsistence for the unemployed until the Government resumes its relief measures. Over £IOO was subscribed and numerous offers of regular supplies of provisions were received, including meat and vegetables from farmers, for the unemployed at Hawera, who, with their wives and children, total over 800 needy persons. The meeting passed a resolution urging the Government to place all old people on pension, thus relieving the labour market, the money to be found by a 3d in the £ tax on all wages; and that two weeks’ holiday for workers be made compulsory. EX-SOLDIER SENDS IN SHOES FOR POOR. (Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, June 18. The Red Cross is conducting a big drive for clothing and food for the needy on Saturday. An ex-soldier who has been on his back since the war has sent in sixteen pairs of children's shoes made up from stockings with the following note: /You will find enclosed sixteen pairs of little shoes, which I hope will be of some use to you for little ones in the city in these hard times. They are, of course, made up of odds and ends, as you will see, but I hope they will be of some use. Good luck. Cheerio.’* The shoes have already been sent out to children in need. A free soup kitchen is being opened by the Salvation Army to-morrow and the Army hopes to get three going. A large room is wanted for use as a rest room for the benefit of men without shelter during the day. The weather conditions at present are very wintry, with penetrating rain and a cold wind from the south.