THE UNEMPLOYED.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2542, 1 July 1909, Page 5

THE UNEMPLOYED.

SENT TO BUSHFELLING WOKE. i (Per Press: Association.) » WELLINGTON, June 30, Fifty-one men have so far been despatched by the Labor Department to do bushfelling work at Waitotara, '2O of the number- being sent on. Monday, . Everything..is being done to make their lot as comfortable as possible on arrival at Waitotara. They are to he accommodated there until next day at very reasonable rate’s at the local hotel, and they leave for tho timber area next morning. It is expected that they will be able to traverse the 6£ miles from the township and pitch camp in tho one day. For each gang of six men two ,Bft by 10ft tents are provided by the Labor Department, also the necessary tools. Tho bush-felling work will he carried out on the co-operative system, the remuneration being according to the amount of work done. It is considered that at tlie fates offered by the Government good bushmen should bo able to earn £3 a week in addition to their food. Each party will bo given a certain acreage to fell, ranging from 50 to as high as 100 acres. The men will be paid at the end of each month. Arrangements liavo been made whereby the men, working on the co-operative system, will be able to obtain their supplies at a very reasonable cost. A store is being erected on the block, at which Supplies can be obtained at rates which will enable the men to live at frd.W-s to 11s per week. Bacon may be procured from Bfd, to 9£d per lb, rol s and sides; butter Is Id to Is 2d per lb ; cheese 6|d per lb ; candles 7d per lb; flour 14s per 100 lbs, and 7s 3d per 501bs; jam 4s 9d .per dozen, K brand 5s 9d; matches 5d per dozen boxes; notatoes 7s 6d per cwt ; sugar 56 bag 10s; beef and mutton, best quality, 3d all round. The Cabinet has decided to have 200 acres of land on the WaeroToa State Farm stumped; The bush was felled many years ago. Mr. Mackenzie (Minister of Agriculture) says the work is of a character which can be done by anyone with a pair of hands' willing and able to work, but ho does not intend making a benevolent institution of it. When put in hand the work should give employment for a considerable number of men.