UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM

Waipa Post, Volume 31, Issue 1762, 25 May 1926, Page 8

UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM

DEPUTATION TO mXISTER FOR

LABOUR,

EFFORTS BEING MADE

(Bv Telegraph. Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day.

A deputation was introduced by the Labour members of Parliament, and waited upon the Minister of Labour, last nig'.it, relative to unemployment problems. The speakers urged, the need for prompt action to deal with the matter. It was pointed out that there were several public works about the city, such as planting reserves and road extensions, which could be put in hand, and the question was whether the •Government would assist tlbe local authorities in the matter of finance "where such works were.put in hand to absorb unemployed persons. There were also ,it was stated a number of waitresses and a couple of nurses out of work.

The Minister said that so far as he could see there was not so much unemployment as some people represented. The Government, however, is giving the question of unemployment serious consideration, and relief works were being investigated. He hoped witihin a few clays that the organisation would be moving, s o that married men could be placed in works suitable for them. The 'Minister thought the local authorities must do their share.

Touching on the question of discharged hands the Minister was of the opinion tlhat it was the duty of •employers in tunes of trouble to relieve the position as far as possible. The position of unemployed women was more difficult.

In response to the Minister's question as to whether they would go into the country, a woman member of the deputation replied affirmatively. The Minister then said he -would see -what could be done.

Replying to a question regarding assistance in the matter of meals for single men. the Minister said tftiey were in a better position than other men to go into the country and look for work.