UNEMPLOYMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17385, 23 April 1928, Page 8

UNEMPLOYMENT.

DISCUSSION AT PUTARURU “ HIGH SCHOOL CURQE.” At the last meeting of the Putaruru Town Board Mr A. E. Barr Brown, in reporting on ’the Municipal Conference, staled that the Mayor of Wellington, Mr Troup, had brought down a scheme for providing relief for the unemployed which hud provoked a very interesting discussion. . In the speaker’s opinion the only possible way of dealing with unemployment was to find 'the cause. When they had found that there was some hope of curing the disease. A short discussion on the subject followed. ■ Mr Tomalin held that relief works simply meant that £3 was paid for £1 worth of work. Mr Barr Brown: I told the conference 'that in my opinion the labour laws were the main cause of the trouble, and Air F-ow, Mayor of Hamilton, strongly agreed. The speaker /then quoted several instances to sho.w that where possible employers were introducing machinery to do away with labour whenever possible as the latter could not be relied upon. Mr Neal held that if the British Government., instead of introducing what was known as the “dole,” had subsidised industry—such as iron and slecl —they would have been in a far better position to-day. Similarly, our Government should make inquiries into the timber industry. Since last meeting he had learned from reliable sources that if the timber-milling industry could export second-class limber to Australia, where it was wanted, it would largely solve the present depression in that industry. Mr Yandle thought the trouble was mainly due to the liioli standard of living. Messrs Tomalin and Barr Brovin agreed with this view, Ihe former stating he thought it was ruining the country, and also that High So/iools were a curse. The chairman disagreed with mis view, holding.that a high standard was good, but that it was output per man ttiat was wanted. In regard to High Schools it was the curriculum that needed overhauling. Mr Lindsey disagreed with subsidies for industry. Protection was nothing but a subsidy, and the befits went to ihe owners and not to the workers as was alleged. Subsidies only created millionaires, and did not benefit the worker. One of the biggest trade unions xvas that oi me mills If they were properly organised prices could bo reduced and so create sales. There was a big decree of truth in the complaints ic High Schools, but here he thought the pupils did not get that seneral knowledge which was Teally , , he P , f th jj them in the business world. If b° y were given a sound training in busi ness* principles there would he fewer bankruptcies. .. No resolution was passed, and the subject