Professional and executive unemployed, 1934 - 1935.

In 1934 Graham W. Massingham (1884-1947) of Wellington wrote a letter to The Dominion regarding the plight of unemployed professionals and suggested that they should approach the government regardging ways of utilizing their skills other than regular relief work. The letter was published by the Christchurch and Dunedin press.

Massingham received numerous replies to his letters from professional men, including engineers, architects, and accountants many detailing their own situation and attempts to find work. As a result the Professional and Executive Unemployed Orgainsation was estalished by Massingham with branches in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Approaches were made by the organisation to the Minister of Employment, J. A. Young regarding the plight of professional men which resulted in the formation of the State Placements Office. Also see MSS & Archives 94/4, item 253.

The Turnbull Library holds a collection of travel photographs from around New Zealand, (PAColl - 5659), taken by Graham Massingham and his wife Elise.