THE UNEMPLOYED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 248, 18 September 1929, Page 6

THE UNEMPLOYED.

SUGGESTIONS FROM HASTINGS.

Per Press Association

HASTINGS, Sept. 17. The Chamber of Commerce sub-com-mittee appointed to investigate the conditions of unemployment submitted a report yesterday containing the following recommendations: —The adoption of a Dominion insurance scheme upon an actuarial basis devoid of the stigma of a dole; that the Government acquire good land in the vicinity of the centres of population that can be subdivided into five-acre or ten-acre lots, with aid to finance necessary improvements, so that workers whose employment is seasonal or intermittent may have the first opportunity of augmenting their earnings by working such lots. Attached to the report was the tentative draft of a settlement plan suggesting that the Government purchase areas of first-class land to be subdivided into garden village areas consisting of five-acre or ten-acre lots. The scheme would be worked on a community and co-operative basis under the supervision of a paid commit-, tee for selection and control. There would be communal cultivation and labour and group marketing. The following estimated first cost of a five-acre block was given:—Five acres. £500; house, £750; sheds, fencing, etc., stock, plants, trees, seeds, manures, implements, etc., £100; contingencies, £SO; total, £ISOO. The repayment of principal and interest (Government mortgage) at 6 per cent., insurance, rates, etc., would be £2 per week. It was suggested that all holders be insured against accident and death, speculation to be prohibited, and sales only allowed under certain conditions.

The full text of the report and recommendations are to be sent to the Government.