RELIEF WORK FOR CHRISTCHURCH WOMEN

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 145, 20 June 1931, Page 14

RELIEF WORK FOR CHRISTCHURCH WOMEN

COMMITTEES IN THE CITY ALREADY FUNCTIONING.

There seems to be a certain amount of misunderstanding in the minds of the community with regard to the work that is being carried on by the Women’s Unemployment Committee and as at the present time, there seems to be some hope of Government action being taken to deal with the problem, a statement has been issued by the Women’s Unemployment Committee. “A memorandum received from the Minister of Labour makes suggestions as to the setting-up of such committees, and, though this seems a little belated, seeing that such committees are already functioning in the four large centres, it is pleasing to note that the Christchurch committees, both general, executive and sub-committees, have been organised and are working almost entirely in accordance with these suggestions,” says the report. “ It is proposed in the memorandum that a centre should be set up, outside the Labour Department, preferably in the building of a voluntary organisation for women and girls. In Christchurch, the Y.W.C.A. offered the free use of its rooms and the services, as far as compatible with continuing its own work, of its secretaries for the work, and this offer was accepted.” Employment Bureau.

The executive committee was entrusted with the detailed work and its first duty was that of investigating the problem as regards numbers and urgency. It very soon became evident that there would be a real need for help for this section of the community through the winter months. Almost insensibly the work of advising women and girls had led to the establishment of an employment bureau, not in competition with other agencies such as registry offices, but as supplementary to them, particularly- for the temporary or unusual type of vacancy. It was interesting to find that the Minister set out that as one of the essential functions of the committee. In practical working, girls were constantly advised to use the local registry offices as well as registering with the committee. This led to some overlapping but it seemed only fair to the registry offices which had been most willing to co-operate with the committee. Many employers, who had been helped to find suitable workers through the work of the Women’s Unemployment Committee, had willingly given donations to its funds in lieu of the fee they would normally have paid for the service rendered.

The employment bureau is open to employers and to those seeking work from 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except Saturday and special appointments'" are made when required. A special fund is being raised by the committee to meet urgent cases and co-operation in assistance is given by other relief organisations such as the Hospital Board, St Martin’s House of Help, the Pound Day Scheme, etc., and to these applicants are constantly referred. Provision of Work. The committee is now chiefly concerned with the provision of work for such applicants as are in urgent need. Some domestic workers are already giving service in homes where assistance is badly needed, on account of illness or other special circumstances, and, when necessary, the wages are subsidised. Such vacancies receive immediate attention, but, of course, need a certain amount of time to secure the best help available.

Sub-committees are exploring the possibilities of other schemes to provide work for unemployed domestic workers and for those from the needle trades. Funds at present available are very limited and have to be used very sparingly until there is definite information as to the assistance forthcoming from the Government.

Gifts and loans of the following articles would be very welcome for use in connection with the above-mentioned schemes:—Sewing machine and material to be made up into garments to be distributed to the existing relief organisations, pots and pans, dishes; bowls, etc., for the use of the domestic centre which will provide meals at reasonable prices.

Donations totalling £IIS Is 6d have been received.