THE CAMP SCHEME.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19100, 10 November 1933, Page 5

THE CAMP SCHEME.

UNEMPLOYED INCENSED

STARVATION SUGGESTION. PUBLIC SUPPORT SOLICITED. • Strong opposition to what has become known as “the camp sclfeme” was voiced at one of the largest meetings of unemployed held in Hamilton which assembled in the Winter Show Hall last evening. Somewhat drastic measures for combating the proposal were advocated by some of the speakers but they did not meet with general support, a moderate line of action being favoured. The chief bone of contention was that married men would be practically forced to live apart from their wives and families and the latter would have no means of subsistence until the first month’s pay was received. Doubts were also expressed as to whether an average of 10s per week could be’earned at the camps, as suggested in the circular many ot the men .have received from the Labour Department. Some of the men present did not mince words wlfbn giving their opinion of the camp scheme. One man said it was a crying shame for men to be forced into camps by means of the “dirtiest weapon in civilisation —starvation. He proposed that all camps be declared “black.” Mr. H. Olden, the secretary: We have already done so.

Mass Demonstration Suggested. " I am married and I expect to be allowed to live with my wife,” commented another. “Anyone who leaves his wife for 25s a week is a scab. I gave five years of my life at the war and that was enough for me. They won’t get me again.” Another speaker suggested that a mass demonstration should be held In the town by the unemployed followed by a deputation to the Mayor.. They could inform His Worship that the men and women intended to starve together, not separated. This remark prompted a man to describe the Hamilton unemployed as spineless. For two years they had

been frightened to hold any demonstrations and I lie few men who had fought their bailies by forming deputations had not had the backing of the bulk of unemployed. A further suggestion was that funds should be created to help to support those men and their families who refused to go to camps. One speaker frequently expressed a preference to gaol to life in a camp.

After the matter had been thoroughly discussed from various angles it was decided to form an anticamp committee of 12 to wait upon religious bodies and business men and seek their support in organised opposition to the camp scheme.