WELFARE BODY CRITICISED

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28754, 27 November 1958, Page 11

WELFARE BODY CRITICISED

Miss Hoivard At Annual Meeting (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. November 26. *T am at a loss to know why I am here, why you are here, and what you are ht re for.” the Ministe r of Social Security iMiss Howard) told members of the Wellington District Welfare Committee at their annual meeting last night.

The committee's annual report had created a false impression in the minds of the public, she said It had given the idea that there was a counter organisation to the Social Security Commission.

“You seem to have taken holus bolus from the Social Security Department’s annual report something that has given a false impression of your work. I think it is quite wrong for you to do

The report to which Miss Howard referred carried sums representing the distribution of money in supplementary assistance by the Social Security Department—to which the committee acts in an advisory capacity. “You can help with advice,” said Miss Howard. “But nobody else can do the work of the commission.

“You people know what you mean, but people outside don’t know what you mean'. 1 was asked who was organising a separate organisation to my department. and that’s why I’m here tonight- to find out. I think you are co-ordinating the work of all the social organisations, and that’s good. Bui your report leads people to believe you do all the work. ‘‘l don’t want to criticise you. because you are doing a good job. If your report showed that it was quoting from the department’s annual report, that would be all right.” Mr H. S. Cross, the committee’s chairman, explained the committee had been set up by a former Minister of Social Security, who had given permission to use the department’s figures. Miss Howard interjected to say that the figures should have been acknowledged. ”Wc asked for criticism,” said Mr Cross, “and we certainly got it from the Minister.” The annual report was adopted.