RUSH OF UNEMPLOYED

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17836, 8 October 1929, Page 6

RUSH OF UNEMPLOYED

That the number of unemployed in the Dominion was considerably greater than the registrations at the Labour Department’s offices has been abundantly proved during, the past week. The Prime Minister having announced his policy of providing work for everybody within five weeks and having urged all desirous of employment to notify the department, the registrations increased enormously. Between Monday and Friday last the numbers at Wellington and Dunedin rose by more than 100 per cent., and the total for flic four cities reached A i GB, the number added during four days being 2002. Large increases are recorded also by towns like Hamilton and Palmerston North. The conclusion to be drawn from these facts is that many men have refrained from applying to the Labour offices through lack of hope, since it was known that the openings were not sufficient for those already registered. The Government will apparently not lack applicants for the new jobs. On the other hand, many of the men who have registered are likely to find that tiie work offered does not suit them, for some have home ties J.O consider, and others are over-

fond of town life. Thus the rush is likely to abate somewhat, but the State’s financial capacity to absorb workers will be severely tested. The immediate effect of the new policy will be to set more money in circulation and restore hope in business. But it is likely to attract to the Government works many of those who are usually available for farm employment during the busy season, besides other farm workers who are now receiving less than the Government's minimum rate of pay. The result may be to embarrass many farmers, especially if the weather and market conditions arc at all unfavourable. Only in rare seasons do all things work together for the good of the farmers as they did in 1928-29. It is said that the return from wool and meat this season will be reduced by millions. It is too early lo make any prediction regarding dairying, but even an optimist would say that the present is a dangerous time for increasing costs. The granting of the right to work to all is the most socialistic measure introduced in this or any other country in many years. Its value for the protection of the workers is beyond estimation; but our farmers complain that they have no corresponding protection, since they are not only at the mercy of the weather but have to sell their goods at whatever prices are obtainable in the world’s markets. Certainly the step taken is only the logical corollary to all the social legislation of the past 30 years, but it tends to give advantage to one section of the community at the expense of another. If one’s child were attacked by a wolf, one might save it by giving another child into the jaws of the beast, but there would be no particular virtue in such a rescue. It is well to help the wage-earners In their struggle with the wolves of Idleness and poverty, but the farmers are no less entitled to consideration.