UNEMPLOYMENT

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21324, 17 November 1934, Page 19

UNEMPLOYMENT

RELIEF MEASURES MEETING OF METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION DOUBLE RATIONS AT CHRISTMAS The Metropolitan Relief Association met yesterday afternoon, Mr George Harper presiding. The chairman said that things at the depot were going on comfortably and satisfactorily. Mr J. Mawson Stewart, the auditor, had expressed satisfaction, from an accountant's point of view, with what they were doing. Very shortly they would have to consider what should be done in the matter of raising funds for next season. The honorary director estimated that the money in hand would be exhausted about the middle of March next. MiHarper suggested that a small committee be set up to go into the matter. Bishop Brodie said that past experience had shown that little could be done in December and January, and it would be just as well to postpone setting up the proposed committee till later. This course was decided on. Rations Issued The honorary director, Mr T. H. Cape-Williamson, reported for the period from October 10-November 10, that 10,268 families (21,276 adults, 20,991 children; total, 42,267) had received rations, valued at £958 18s 7d, or a weekly average of £l9l 15s Bd. The weekly average of families was 2053, of adults, 4255, children 4198, total (average) 8453. In the period the new applications were 98; cases reviewed, 1303; cases declined, 60; sustenance granted, 58; sustenance declined, 11; sustenance cases helped each week, 157. In the boot department, purchases, plus subsidy on wages, amounted to £B6 13s 9d; cash sales, £4O 7s 3d; free service, £7 16s. There were received for repair, 534 pairs; repaired and delivered, 542 pairs; and repaired free, 89 pairs. Purchases of women's and children's clothing amounted to £l7 8s lOd, and 215 garments had been distributed to 58 families. The report was received. Unemployed Workers' Association The secretary (Mr V. French) reported that the Unemployed Workers' Association had written asking that a deputation be received. He had written asking to be supplied in writing with particulars of the matters to be brought up; he had received a reply stating that the association preferred waiting till its representations were placed before the committee. When it was stated that one of the matters to be brought up was the question of the representation of the Unemployed Workers' Association on the Metropolitan Relief Association, the chairman said that the act under which the relief association was incorporated prohibited any person who received pecuniary benefit from the association from being a member of it, and the association had a rule on the same lines. The members of the deputation did not put in an appearance. nations for Christmas It was decided to issue from the depot double rations for Christmas week, and afterwards to close the depot till January 9. It was reported that in addition to the distribution "Of Christmas hampers by the Christchurch Rotary Club, the Unemployment Board intended distributing, throughout the Dominion, £65,000 at Christmas. Mr H. Lightband, as representative of the Rotary Club, asked if, as in the past, there would be co-operation between the association and the club in the distribution of hampers at Christmas. The chairman: We shall be glad to work on the same lines as last year. The honorary director explained the arrangements he proposed making for the control of the depot while he was on holiday, and these were approved. MEETING OF RETURNED SOLDIERS PRESENT SYSTEM DISCUSSED "You have about 600 men out of work, whom you are paying subsidised wages for two days' work a month. This is equivalent to 3s ljd a week. The overhead expenses in running the bureau amount to £4OO. Why not give each man 5s a week. I have been out of work for four years now, and have had four jobs in that time. You are getting nowhere, and there are hundreds like me." This was one of the grievances aired by unemployed returned soldiers who met in the Jellicoe Hall yesterday afternoon to discuss their position. Mr T. L. Drummond, chairman of the Unemployment Committee, was in the chair, and with him on the platform were the Rev. F. T. Read, president of the association, and Mr E. F. Willcox, secretary. "It is desired that this scheme should be anything but a palliative," said Mr Drummond in answer to this question. He said that if they could evolve anything else they would be only too pleased to do so. If, and the condition was important, it was decided to pay out to the men without work, then the overhead expenses would not be justified. He considered that it came back to the old question of the dole. There were many men who had opposed the present scheme 12 months ago who were now ardent supporters of it. Under the dole system many men who would not be entitled to the money would be collecting it. Also there was no mandate from the association authorising the institution of the dole. The committee was working under the supervision and discipline of the association. "If the .present system is to be maintained you must have these overhead costs. If you are going to have a skilled man in charge of the bureau you must be prepared to pay the necessary overhead charges," continued Mr Drummond. A voice; If you cut out the unemployment officer we may get another 3s a week. He has increased the general payout from £3500 a year to between £BOOO and £9OOO. (Applause.) Mr W. E. Leadley: You have heard a complaint that we are getting nowhere. You have also heard by the report from the officer that 51 men have been placed in normal occupations with the hope of permanent positions. How do you reconcile the two? The speaker who first raised the question: A mere drop in the bucket. Mr Leadley: A drop is better than no water at aIL Something definite and on the right track had been done, he asserted. He said that some had contended that subsidy for work was stopping work being done at stand-

ard rates of pay, but he showed that many employers would not put work in hand were it not for the subsidy. There was a chance that the National War Funds Council and the Canteen Fund would refuse to pay out any money if it was going to be distributed as a dole without any work being done. Cries: Well, give us work! The classification of the men was questioned, and the chairman replied that it was done by the committee. It helped the employer, and was of great assistance to the men, as it ensured that the right man was sent out to the right jobs. By making certain of this the employers would come back for future labour. It was not a hardship imposed on the men, but rather a protection. Every consideration was given to every case. Mr Read said that he thought that the committee was using the best possible system. Every man was happiest when he knew that he was earning a good day's wage for a good day's work. He had listened attentively to the report of the working of the dole in England by Cr. J. W. Beanland. A voice: He knows nothing about Mr Read said that the Unemployment Committee and the benevolent committee were working together to make the work for the men a little lighter. MEETING OP RICCARTON RELIEF COMMITTEE ASSISTANCE GIVEN IN THE BOROUGH A meeting of the Riccarton Borough Relief Committee was held on Thursday evening in the Riccarton Town Hall, Mr S. B. Kershaw presiding, in the unavoidable absence of the chairman, Mr H. S. S. Kyle, M.P. The honorary secretary (Mr E. Prebble) submitted a report and statement of accounts of the committee's activities during the period the local depot had been open, a satisfactory financial position being disclosed. Mrs F. A. White reported that the number of new garments issued during die 15 weeks the depot had been open was 351, and the number of used garments 1968, making a grand total of 2319. She said that a small charge had been made for new garments bought by the committee, and repayments by recipients was considered very satisfactory, only a comparatively small amount still being outstanding. It was decided to issue a Christmas ration the same as last year, and to make a pound scheme collection in the borough during the week preceding Christmas week, all goods to be received at the depot in the Town Hall not later than 3 p.m. on Friday, December 21, and to open the depot for distribution between 3 and 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 22. Bread and meat orders would be issued with the rations, to enable recipients to obtain supplies of these on Christmas Eve. Assistance Given by Depot During the 15 weeks the depot was open, from June 22 to September 28, it was stated, the number of families assisted fluctuated between 40 and 76, with an average of 65.6, comprising a total of 435 persons receiving relief. The response to the pound scheme collection, which was adopted as in the previous year, had been very gratifying, and the committee desired to extend its thanks to the willing band of collectors, and to all residents who contributed to the scheme, either in cash or goods. The committee also desired to thank the Wharenui school social committee for organising a dance in aid of the local relief funds, by which the sum of £8 3s 9d had been raised. During the period of operations the following quantities of the various commodities were collected through the agency of the pound scheme:—Tea, 8431b; butter, 5661b; sugar, 11911b; flour, 392i1b; oatmeal, 1287£1b; rice, C6oJlb; and dripping, 1251b, as well as considerable quantities of vegetables, clothing, boots, and shoes. The quantities of the various commodities distributed by way of relief were:—Tea, 207:/lb; butter, 595i1b; sugar, 16991b; flour, 1989|1b: oatmeal, 2307J1b; rice, 1190|lb; bread, 1203* loaves; dripping, 11701b; meat, 15001b; vegetables, 2010 lb; and split peas, 2551b. The following quantities of each commodity were provided by the central depot:—Sugar, 3201b; flour, 15971b; oatmeal, 7451b; rice, 5301b; bread, 1168 loaves; dripping, 10451b; vegetables, 20101b; split peas, 2551b; and meat, 13651b. The totals of each commodity which were purchased to meet requirements were as follows: Tea, 1231b; butter, 29Jlb: sugar, 1881b; oatmeal, 2751b; bread, 35J loaves; and meat, 1351b. The figures referring to goods collected under the pound scheme more than favourably compare with those for the period of activities last year: —Tea shows a decrease of 631b, butter an increase of 771b, sugar an increase of 1351b, flour an increase of 2251b, oatmeal an increase of 11441b, while rice showed a decrease of 321b. The committee appealed to all residents to contribute liberally to the forthcoming pound scheme collection, and stated that gifts of toys for the children of distressed families would also be gratefully accepted, and may be left with the clergymen in the borough. EMERGENCY CHARGE ADJUSTMENT OF ADVANCE PAYMENTS (mass ASSOCIATION TELIQIUM.) WELLINGTON, November 16. Taxpayers who paid in advance last May the emergency unemployment charge on income other than salary or wages will receive at an early date credit notes for the amounts overpaid. This adjustment is the outcome of the recent reduction of one-six*h in the tax for the secoad half of the year Most taxpayers who elected to pay the full year's tax in advance were liable for comparatively small amounts, and in many cases the amount overpaid is less than Is. Credit for sums overpaid is being arranged by the Chief Post Office, and suitable credit note forms are at present being printed. The credit notes will enable the necessary adjustment to be made when the main 1935 payment comes to be made next May. There is no necessity to furnish a special application for this adjustment, as it will be made automatically. There may be cases where a person entitled to a refund will not be liable for tax next year, and in such circumstances it would be necessary to make application for a cash refund. ,With quarterly payments of the tax, the reduction of twopence in a shilling should take effect on this month's instalment.