UNEMPLOYMENT

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20978, 5 October 1933, Page 6

UNEMPLOYMENT

ABUSE OF SUBSIDY . SCHEME SUSPECTED CASES BEING INVESTIGATED [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, October 4. An announcement that the Unemployment Board was investigating several cases where abuse of the building subsidy scheme was suspected, and that court proceedings would be taken if the investigation warranted them, was made by the Minister for Employment (the Hon. A. Hamilton) in an interview to-night. In a statement which he made in Christchurch last week, the deputychairman of the board (Mr J. S. Jessep) said it was a matter for regret that persons getting the immediate advantage of the scheme had not regarded the reabsorption of the unemployed as part of their responsibilities, and that in some cases very deliberate attempts were being made to defeat rather than achieve the desired object. It is understood that in some cases falsification of wages sheets is suspected, and this charge, if proved, would, involve a criminal offence. There are other cases, it is believed, where men have been working for three days in the week on the No. 5 scheme and for another three days on the building subsidy scheme. "We have done a lot to assist the building industry," said Mr Hamilton, "and we expect those engaged in it to give all the support and relief to the Unemployment Fund that is possible. We should have their active and moral support rather than have them trying to take advantage of us. The Unemployment Fund belongs to the public, and it is the duty of the board to see that it is not abused."

RELIEF FUND

BUSINESS MEN'S APPEAL The contributions to the Citizens' Relief of Distress Fund received yesterday brought the total to date up to £13,68® 10s 2d. The honorary treasurer, Mr J. W. Niven, city treasurer, on behalf of the committee, acknowledges the following additional contributions:— £ s. d. Previously acknowledged 13,682 6 8 Weston, Ward & Lascelles, 4th contribution .. 22 0 Staff, Chief Post Office, 4th contribution .. 2 10 Staff, Peoples Palace, 2nd contribution .. 10 0 Knox Church Senior Bible Class - • 0 8 9 J. Johnson, sth cont. .. 0.10 0 Employees Ball in Bros., 9th contribution .. 0 110 Staff T. Armstrong and Co., High St., Bth cont. 0 10 9 £13,689 10 2 CENTRAL DEPOT APPLICATIONS TO BE REVIEWED The following statement is issued by the honorary director of the Metropolitan Relief Association, Mr T. H. Cape Williamson: — "Before the end of October all applications for relief at the central relief depot will have to be reviewed. Conditions will be very stringent, and only those who can prove absolute need will be granted relief. Many of the relief workers will, during the next few months, be able to supplement their wages by other work. "Vegetables will be obtainable from their own gardens, which does away with the necessity of applying at the depot for these articles. There will j be much seasonal work offering, and this also will relieve the position."