THE UNEMPLOYED.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2546, 6 July 1909, Page 5

THE UNEMPLOYED.

DEPUTATION TO THE MINISTER OF LABOR.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 5. A deputation comprising representatives of the Wellington Trades and Labor Council, the Employers’ Association, local bodies, and local members of Parliament asked the Minister of Labor to-day to provide work for the unemployed. It was stated that about 1500 men were out of work in Wellington, and all that cpuld b# raised was about £2200, with the Government subsidy. In reply, the Hon. J. A. Millar said that they were face, to face with a very tough problem. The Government was anxious to do all it could, but it could only spend what Parliament had provided. All that would be available was about £1,400,000 to March 31st next. He thought that the unions/should do something one .of their funds. The Government was sending 700 men to bushfeliiiig, railway and other works. r ! Hat was the most it could do. If public woncs were to be pushed on, they must either borrow money or increase taxaDon. He was obtaining information as to the working of unemployment legislation in England and Germany, and hrp“U to formulate a scheme to prevent the national loss of workers who were/ unproductive. The dep ii avon s views would be laid before b.s code agues, and all that was possible wouid be d01lC " CHRISTCHURCH, July 5. In replying to a deputation, the Minister for Labor said on the general questjgn of unemployment the Government had found work for 700 men at bushfalling and railway works. Only qualified men were put on to bush work, so that the less experienced men would be absorbed on the railways. The insurance risks were covered by the Government. Tho.men got their tents free, and could pay for tools, cooking utensils, etc., out of their wages. The work was let by contract at from 25s to 35s , a n acre. There were 10,000 acres to be cleared, which would be snapped up the moment it was cleared. If bushfelling and the railways did not take all the men, there was a ten mile road to be made which would assist the move helpless.