LABOUR FOR GOODS

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19597, 8 June 1935, Page 9

LABOUR FOR GOODS

SYSTEM OF EXCHANGE.

UNEMPLOYED AND FARMERS. TOKEN ISSUE ADVOCATED. A scheme devised with the object of enabling the unemployed to exchange their labour for goods and produce was outlined by Mr J. H. Furniss, at a meeting of the Waikato SubProvincial executive of the Farmers Union yesterday. Mr Furniss explained that his plan had been formulated as a means of developing cooperative effort between town and country, and enabling unemployed workers to utilise 'their surplus labour power In raising their standard of llvThe speaker suggested that an effoit should be made to organise the interchange of 'goods and services among primary producers, tradespeople, and unemployed workers who were capable of and willing to give effective labour value. As a basis of exchange a unit of labour valued at Is 3d, representing an hour of labour, was suggested, a unit to be represented by some token, or other symbol, bearing on its face the date of issue, and having full value for a period of two months, subsequently depreciating at the rate of 3d per calendar month.

Currency of Tokens. Where It would be Inconvenient for the holder of a unit to utilise it during Its full value period, the speaker suggested that for an exchange fee of 2d, the holder should be allowed to exchange the unit prior to the end of the two monthly period, for another unit with a new term of currency. Elaborating his proposals Mr Furniss said farmers frequently had produce for which they had no use, and there were people In the towns who would be pleased to exchange labour for these goods. 'lf something on the lines of his scheme could be Introduced the unemployed could be assisted during the winter months, while the farmers and tradespeople, who could also be brought into the scheme, would benefit. One advantage was that no control was required. He suggested that a committee should be set up, and responsible officials and citizens approached to ascertain the extent to which their co-operation could be obtained. The chairman, Mr S. N. Zlman, commented that the scheme amounted to a subsidiary currency. To Help Unemployed. Mr R. H. Felsst, who seconded the scheme pro forma, said it was a gesture to the unemployed which would assist them and the farmers through a difficult period. He did not think that It cquid be worked generally, because of organisation difficulties, but it might be accepted by a number. The opinion was expressed by Mr W. B. Gumming that the idea might be worked In a district where there were unemployed who were not working on full time relief work. The question of payment, to his mind, presented a problem. “It appears to me that the scheme would Involve a tremendous lot of work, and probably for little return,” said Mr W. 'Lee Martin. While the proposals were worthy of consideration he thought that the difficulties entailed would make the scheme hardly worth while. Mr Furniss said he was not pro■oslng to fill In the fabric of the scheme, which was only endeavouring to show the way in which he thought progress could 'be made. The only thing to be feared was political interference. ,If a committee were appointed to go intothe matter the broad outlines of the scheme would have to be explained to them and they could then fill in the gaps, and formulate a definite plan. If the unemployed and the tradespeople turned it down that was their funeral.

Added Purchasing Power.

It was not intended to raise prices, but the idea of his scheme was to give those at present without the means to buy produce an opportunity to gain this purchasing power. Apart from this, It was far better for a man, physically and mentally, to be engaged In work than to loaf away his time in enforced idleness. Milk, meat, and other produce could be obtained by the unemployed under his . plan. They were not asked to pay more for their food, but would have an auxiliary purchasing power to supplement that which they already had. It was an endeavour to prevent those Individuals and their families being ground to peces under the existing system. A motion that a committee should be set up to go into the matter was proposed, but little support was forthcoming, and discussion lapsed without any further action being taken.