UNEMPLOYMENT

Waipa Post, Volume 43, Issue 3391, 22 December 1931, Page 5

UNEMPLOYMENT

SCHEME FOR COTTAGE GARDENS WAIPA COUNTY COUNCIL SYMPATHETIC. Sympathy with relief workers who desire to maxe vegetaole gardens in cneir icue tune, anu tnus provide foodstuns ror tneir ramuies, was expressed at Monday’s meeting of the Vvaipa County Council. me deputy chairman, Unemployment Board, aovised tnat tne board nas ueen considering tne necessity ior woraers to provide themselves as far as possible witn the necessaries of iue outside the relief contributed by tne general public through the Unemployment f und. The board intends to request workers on unemployment reuex so iar as they are able to help themselves. It is desired thereiore, tnat steps be taken to see that workers cultivate in their own time areas of ground they are occupying- wnether as owners or tenants tor me purpose of growing vegetables, thereby assisting- to maintain themselves. After the Ist January, 1y32, the board intends to make it a condition of relief that workers have in this manner attempted to help themselves. it is suggested in cases where relief workers have no land (however small) to cultivate, local bodies and committees should endeavour to secure for the use of workers vacant sections or plots. It is pointed out that this scheme has been voluntarily put into effect in various localities, notably Stratford, with very great benefit to the workers. Extracts from the rules of the Community Club in Stratford are forwarded for the information of the council.

The opinion was expressed that in every known cases relief workers residing in the county have enough land available for cottage gardens. Cr Johnson inquired if, supposing plots in various parts of the county are provided, the produce would not be pilfered? Inhere could be no supervision. Cr Livingstone said there are numerous plots that could be made available if relief workers wanted them for gardening. Cr Clarke the project had merit, and he would like to see the relief workers encouraged to become more self-reliant.

The clerk, who is a member of the Te Awamutu Unemployment Committee, said that body was of opinion that the gardening season was so far advanced now that the scheme was not likely to be largely availed of. This brought the retort that it is still seasonable for planting winter vegetables. The chairman said if relief workers made application the council would help them to obtain the use of unused sections. Cr Clarke said that even considering some of the unemployed are ne’er-do-wells there are also a great many genuine triers, who deserve every reasonable encouragement. Cr Storey said there was no need for a family to starve if the father has half-an-acre of land that he can make into a garden. Mention was made of some relief workers in Te Awamutu who have made very creditable gardens. Councillors will make inquiry as to the! demand and the areas available, for further consideration at next meeting.