RELIEF OF POVERTY.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19669, 12 July 1929, Page 2

RELIEF OF POVERTY.

SERIOUS POSITION IN AUCKLAND. [THE PSESB Special Serrlce.j AUCKLAND. July ll.' Dire poverty, the poverty that is far below the bread line, is prevalent in Auckland to-day, and the only thing between many families and starvation is the relief granted by the. Hospital Board The gravity of the situation is not generally realised. It is not merely r local problem—it was a national one Among the few who are fully aware of the position are members of the Relief Committee of the Hospital Board. An appalling state of affairs was revealed at to-day's meeting of the Relief Committee, which had before it 300 applications, the largest number in its history. At the previous meeting two weeks ago the total was 269, another record. "The position is drifting from baa to worse," said Dr. Wallace, chairman of the Hospital Board, _in a general discussion after the meeting. "Wo are becoming desperate. Last year relief expenditure amounted to £44,000. This year £40,000 was placed on the estimates for the purpose, but as things are trending the expenditure will be £50.000. This concerns the ratepayers of the Board's large district. It represents one-third of the total cost of hospital relief in New Zealand. It is for the public to realise what this means when the next rate is struck. The problem is a national one, and should be met by the Government. "To-day's list shows that of 300 cases no fewer than 158 are from able-bodied men whose position is solely due to unemployment. Many of them are skilled tradesmen, ana what does it all amount to 9" said Mr Wallace. "We are developing the dole system and running the risk of manufacturing permanent paupers."