UNEMPLOYED WORKERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 86, 12 April 1938, Page 8

UNEMPLOYED WORKERS

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

SUPPORT FOR GOVERNMENT [ Per Press Association. ) WELLINGTON, April 11. Stating that the number of unemployed in New Zealand totalled only 3.6 per cent, of the total adult population, Hon. H. T. Armstrong told the conference of the National Unemployed Workers’ Movement that the Dominion was back to normal as far *as unemployment was concerned. Much had been done by the Government in the solution of the problem of unemployment. There was any amount of useful work which was possible in the development of New Zealand and it was the aim of the Government to provide this work. On a population basis the total unemployed numbered 1 per cent, of the total population or 3.6 per cent, of the total adult male population—easily the lowest in any country in the world. Some people asked what was being done with the fund if there was such a reduction in unemployment and in answer to this it must be pointed ut that the Government was fulfilling its obligation of providing full-time work for the unemployed at award rates, the proposed national superannuation scheme would take a big burden off the present employment promt tion fund, which would then be aoolished and all wages paid in the promotion of employment by the State wo Ma be paid out of the Consolidated Fund. TLe question of increasing sus'enance would have to be co.ci lered. He did ir,* think it wise to pay sustenance equivalent ta wages, but in v. ; tw o: the increase in v.ages and the sib’e increase in the cost of living in all probability the sustenance rates would also have to be increased.

The following resolution was passed unanimously: “That this conference of the National Unemployed Workers’ Movement representing the unemployed and sustenance men of New Zealand give to the Minister an assurance of our loyalty to the present Government in carrying out its policy’ of improving the lot of the masses of the people of New Zealand and pledge our solid support to his party in the forthcoming municipal and general elections.”