TO RELIEVE DISTRESS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 163, 19 July 1935, Page 5

TO RELIEVE DISTRESS

IN ENGLAND EMPIRE MIGRATION SUGGESTED By Telegraph--Copyright —Press Asm LONDON, July 17. Mr Malcolm Stewart, Commissioner for the Distressed Areas, in his first report recommends increased pensions at 65, shorter working hours, a compulsory week’s holiday on full pay, the settlement of 2000 families on the Uand, shorter hours in suitable industries with the help of Government subsidies, State ownership of mining royalties and production, licenses for new industries, protected tariffs provided suitable pledges are given in re•spect of labour. He suggests the reopening of negotiations with the Dominions for Em- . pire mtgriation. Mr Stewart stressed the inadequacy -of his powers. The report is a curious blend of optimism and pessimism. It declares that the outlook for coal is not bright but the future is hopeful if scientific methods are employed. The report" advocates the reorganisation of the steel industry, while admitting it would bring more distress in special areas. It criticises quotas, saying it is impossible to understand how .a system of control bolstering up inefficiency vcan he to the national advantage. The Manchester Guardian declares the Government did not expect Mr Stewart to become a nuisance by stressing his limited powers which it would embarrass the Government to extend as his recommendations are counter to its policy.