The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1940-02-07

part-time basis. Hence, the step-up in
production which has been in evidence
for the past several months has meant,
to an important degree, the return
of workers already employed to full
time schedules rather than the en-
ployment of any great numbers of new
workers.
Moreover, seasonal factors tend to
offset, insofar as total unemployment
is concerned, any gains which might
be attributed to increased industrial
activity Naturally, too, the needs of
the unemployed for food, clothing, and
shelter are much greater during win
ter than in other months.
"These factors are necessary to an
understanding of our paradox. They
lead to the inevitable conclusion that
| we must continue a substantial pro-
gram of aid to the unemployed until
such time as domestic activity in
creases to levels above any heretofore
seem"
The failure of unemployment to de-
cline in December was the result of
conflicting trends in agricultural and
non-agricultural industries, the WPA
said. A gain Of approximately 100000
jobs in retail trade was partially off
set by declining employment in con-
struction, transportation and several
other important industries, leaving a
net increase of nearly 100000 in total
nonagricultural employment.
This, however, was virtually wiped
out by net decline in the number
of agricultural jobs, thus leaving over
all unemployment practically UNI
changed from the November total. The
department of agriculture reported the
number of hired workers on farms at
the end of December as the smallest
for any similar period on record.
Similarly the Social Security board
reported a decrease of $50 in the
number of jobs in private employment
secured in December through it's bu-
reau of employment security, and an
increase of TO in the amount of UNI
employment compensation payments.
While there was 1@o decrease in
December in the number Of cases re-
ceiving general relief in 10S repre-
sentative cities, according to the So
cial Security board, and of 16 in the
sums spent for such purposes, there
was no indication of a lessening of
relief needs, Harrington declared.
The decreases were largely ac-
counted for, he said, by depletion of
relief budgets In many communities,
and by the reabsorption by WPA of
many of it's workers laid off during
August and September under the 49,
month dismissal clause.
Administrators in the north Allan
tic states reported a general main
tenance of the high level of industrial
activity but with only spotty evidence
OF increased job opportunities for
WPA workers. Agricultural activity
was at standstill and there was
much unemployment among seamen
in the coastal cities.
In the south, there was tendency
for industrial activity to level off dur
ing December, and in some states, to
decline slightly. II coal mining and
Ie4llle pIOuuCIiOH COHlllue DIT pleSeHl
levels, however, some workers might
eventually be drawn from the rolls
for employment in these industries.
Agriculture was stagnated everywhere
except in southern Florida and parts
of Texas.
In practically all states, great num-
bers of persons have been certified
for WPA employment but have not
yet been assigned, Harrington said.