"RUSH OF APPLICANTS."

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 4, 6 January 1931, Page 9

"RUSH OF APPLICANTS."

REOPENNG OF RELIEF OFFICE.

MANY CLAIMS FOR HELP.

According to Mr. W. K. Howitt, chairman of the Relief Committee of the Auckland Hospital Board, the relief office was rushed with applicants when it reopened yesterday, and. again to-day there were many people seeking assistance in attendance. "Never before at this season of the year has there been anything like it," declared Mr. Howitt. "The office staff had a difficult task clearing the rooms and extra hands were engaged at the counter taking particulars of eases. Many of the applicants, who were young married men with families, said the situation was desperate and that there was no sign whatever of any work being obtained." Arising out of yesterday's experience, Mr. M. J. Savage, M.P. for Auckland West, sent the following telegram to the acting-Prime Minister (Hon. E. A. Ransom): — J "The distress arising out of unemployment is more acute to-day than ever. The Hospital Board's relief department is at present overtaxed with applications for relief. Other benevolent institutions are rendering fine service, but the situation calls for work on a big scale. I understand the Government intends to employ a large number in preparation for land settlement, and I urge that this work should bo speeded up at once.'' -