Unemployment.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20276, 10 April 1934, Page 8

Unemployment .

Auckland R.S.A. Takes

Strong View. REQUEST that the New Zealand R.S.A. should take a definite stand in the interests of unemployed returned soldiers was made in a letter from the Auckland branch, received at a meeting of the Christchurch Association last evening. Accompanying the letter was a copy of a lengthy communication addressed to the Dominion Headquarters of the association by the Auckland Association. The Christchurch executive decided, cn the motion of Mr W, E. Leadley, that as a question of policy was involved, the letter should be dealt with by the new executive to be elected at the annual meeting this month. “ For the past four years,” stated the Auckland Association’s letter to headquarters, “ the question of unemployment amongst returned soldiers has become more and more acute. The policy of the Unemployment Board has hitherto not allowed of any discrimination between returned soldiers who are unemployed and civilians. My association is definitely of the opinion that a returned soldier should receive better treatment than at present, even if it involves discrimination. Married Men’s Camps. “ The association is greatly perturbed at the recent decision of the Unemployment Board whereby men with families are forced to take work in Public Works Department’s camps, or starve. These camps are remote from the homes of these men, and consequently the fathers of families are not in a position to assist the harassed mothers in the care and control of their children. This is a very vital problem, and one that is also engaging the attention of the various churches and welfare organisations.” After referring to the plight of unemployed men in Auckland and stating that Dr Barraclough, of the Auckland City Mission Medical Service, had reported that 5700 children in Auckland were suffering from malnutrition, the letter continued:— “ My executive has lately given considerable thought to the problems created by the conditions affecting our returned soldier comrades affected by unemployment. These men look to the association to honour the provisions of clauses 3 and 4 of the objects of the constitution of the N.Z.R.S.A. “ The Breaking Point.” “At the present time the misery and discontent amongst these men is reaching the breaking point, and my association is greatly perturbed as to what might be the outcome. The association feels that the N.Z.R.S.A. must take a definite stand in the interests of returned soldiers; and accordingly, at an executive meeting held on March 26, the following resolution was carried: “ ‘ That the Auckland R.S.A. wishes and definitely requests the N.Z.R.S.A. to take immediate steps whereby the conditions affecting unemployed returned soldiers may be ameliorated. It is the considered opinion of the association that the present conditions are pothing less than slavery, and that unless steps are taken immediately to alter same, the position will become out of hand The members of the association, having been through one war, have no desire to see the start of something that will be far worse than any war. As returned soldiers, and now as citizens, it is considered that everyone in God’s Own Country has at least the right to live as human beings.’ ”