Major events of this period

Dec 1, 1930 During the depression years, The Straits Times helped victims of the slump by running free announcements for them. Men "of any race" had to give evidence that they had lost their employment because of the depression, and submit the particulars of their last three appointments to the paper. The editor would then put prospective employers in touch with the applicants. Each of the applicants were given numbers. This column appeared frequently and prominently in The Straits Times during the slump. Here are some extracts from the actual report: Can You Help These Men? In accordance with the offer made in the Notes of the Day column we give publicity to the following appeals for work from men who are unemployed as a direct result of the slump. The Editor will be pleased to place prospective employers in touch with the applicants. Communications should be addressed to "Unemployed No. One" - or whatever number appears at the end of the Advertisement - Straits Times, Cecil Street, Singapore." Men of any race who can forward evidence that they have lost their employment in consequence of the present depression may have their announcements inserted in this column without charge. Particulars of the last three appointments held should be sent with the application, but NO ORIGINAL TESTIMONIALS SHOULD BE ENCLOSED. EUROPEAN. Fifteen years’ experience of planting as manager and assistant. Good at accounts, factory management, mechanical and electrical engineering. Has excellent testimonials and references. Seeks any kind of billet. Apply. Unemployed Forty-six, care of Straits Times. EUROPEAN. Locally educated man with many years’ experience as office secretary and chief clerk. Aged 30. Knows shorthand and typing. Apply, Unemployed Sixty-nine. EURASIAN. Straits-born, aged 37, seeks work as field-overseer or conductor. Has 17 years’ experience of planting and factory work. Speaks Tamil and Malay fluently. Will go anywhere. Apply. Unemployed 39A. PLANTER. Fourteen years in Malaya, fluent Malay and Tamil. Excellent references. Married. Willing to take up any job anywhere. Apply, Unemployed 12A. CHINESE. Ten years experience as rubber storekeeper in Singapore and up-country. Aged 31. Speaks several Chinese dialects. Apply, Unemployed Fifty-four. CHINESE. Aged 28. Salesman and clerk with eight years’ experience of bazaar in piece goods and sundries. Sound knowledge of office routine and indent business. Will accept any appointment on small commencing salary. Apply, Unemployed Fifty-five. Moses' start page Chee Beng's start page Nura's start page Leslie's start page Previous Copyright © 1998 Singapore Press Holdings. All Rights Reserved.