THE UNEMPLOYED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 244, 13 September 1929, Page 7

THE UNEMPLOYED.

LETTER FROM MINISTER. Mr J. A. Nash, M.P , has received from the Minister of Public Works, Hon. E. A. Ransom, the following reply to the telegram sent jointly by Mr Linklater and himself urging that a subsidy be granted to enable the road work by the Manawatu County Council to proceed: cil to proceed: “In connection with the telegram dated 7tli instant signed by yourself and Mr Linklater, M.P., in regard to unemployment at Palmerston North, I have to advise that the Main Highways Board, iafter consideration, is unable to see its way to authorise further funds for the work suggested just at the present time. The board understands that the Manawatu County Council lias loan moneys aavilable for works on Fox-ton-Himatangi section of the Welling-ton-Auckland Main Highway, and if the County Council is prepared to proceed with the work between Foxton and Himatangi in order to keep some or all of the present men in employment for a while longer, the Main Highways Board may be agreeable to it proceeding with the work if the council is prepared wholly to finance the work in the meantime and to wait until next financial year for payment of the Main Highways Board’s quota. If this proposition is acceptable to the Manawatu County Council, I would suggest that it submit propqpals, including estimates of cost, to the Main Highways Board in order that the liability of the board may be determined and its consent to such an arrangement obtained. This would, of course, be necessary before the work commenced. I may say that the next meeting of the Highways Board will be held on 25th inst. I would, however, draw attention to the fact that, in comparison with many other local bodies throughout New Zealand, the Palmerston North Borough Council does not appear to have done a very great deal in connection with relief of unemployment, and 1 would again suggest that if possible it submit proposals for suitable relief works, and the question of Government subsidy from the moneys specially voted by Parliament for relief of unemployment will receive favourable consideration.”