INFECTION OF PAUPERISM.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 140, 12 June 1908, Page 3

INFECTION OF PAUPERISM.

OUTDOOR RELIEF SUBSIDIES.

DEPARTMENTAL PROPOSALS.

(By Telegraph.— .Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Thursday. Dr. Valintine made another pronouncement to-day at the Hospital Conference with reference to the question of subsidies to hospitals and charitable aid boards. He said he -was sorry he had nothing definite to put before the delegates. He would tell them frankly what he hoped to accomplish. This was the reduction absolutely of any subsidy on outdoor relief. Speaking generally, he did not see the need of making any reduction on hospitals, which for the most part were well administered, and there was little suggestion of undue extravagance. Such was not the case in regard to charitable institutions, some of which were providing appliances and comforts which were rather in excess of what was absolutely required for invalids. He maintained with regard to outdoor relief that the institutions were putting recipients in a far better position with regard to the comforts of life than the struggling labourer. It was the struggling man who had to pay towards the keep of these people. He was certain that no substantial reduction in the cost of outside relief would be made until the Government subsidy was withheld. "It is in that direction that I will move and use my efforts as long as I hold my present position," declared the speaker. One delegate pointed out that there was no distinction in the bill between hospital and charitable aid. Mr. A. Bain said he was afraid that if the suggestion was carried out it would not do much good. Instead of making a reduction it would result in increased cost. A number of outdoor recipients of relief received 2/6 and 3/ per week under the present system. If these grants were abolished these people would have to go into the homes, and it would cost the ratepayers a good deal more to keep them there. The chairman, in replying to a question, said his proposals would not affect the homes. Mr. Bagnall remarked that the Government should undertake the maintenance of children who were committed to an industrial school. The commitments were made without reference to the boards, yet they had to contribute 7/6 per week towards the children's upkeep until they were 15 years of age. Mr. Kirk agreed with this view, and remarked that last year contributions by tie Wellington trustees in this connection iimounted to £'2200. Charitable aid must be cut down. A long discussion ensued over the matter, most of the speakers being against the reduction of the subsidy. Canon Jordan, in condemning the. proposal, said if subsidies were reduced, it would bring about in New Zealand the present curse of Ireland —the abominable workhouse system. Eventualy, on the motion of Mr. Bellringer, it was decided to recommend that the Government subsidy remain as at present. Dr. Valintine: I haven't done with it yet. Mr. Norris moved: "That this meeting considers that if the Government reduces the subsidy on outdoor relief they should take over the cost of maintenance of all children committed to industrial schools." After discussion this motion was withdrawn. Dr. Valintine said it seemed to him that he was playing a lone hand. It was impossible for him, in his present position, to tell them the whole of his scheme. Nothing was more infectious than pauperism. At the present time in New Zealand they had paupers of the third generation. The sooner children were relieved from the environment of pauperism, the more likely they were to become dutiful citizens of the State.