CHARITABLE AID.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 315, 30 September 1908, Page 4

CHARITABLE AID.

• • ••• ALLEGED ABUSE. Some disci.ssion-regarding.w.liat.w,is,.called extravagant rolief"took place-at yesterday's meeting of the Wellington and Wairara'pa Charitable .-Md Board. An accounts voucher for the distribution of relief was forwarded by tho Mairiccvillc., .County. Council, the claim being for £102 for five cases for eight months. Claims were made for various items, incluling interest on a mortgage; tea at 2s. per to., currants at Gd. per il)., flour at 17s. Gd. and 14s.' Gd.per 1001b., pills-.ls. 6d., curry powder, cocoa, starch, alum, epsom pepper,. caraway seeds, pair , of trousers, etc. For the period 'mentioned; two of the cases had averaged 1001b. _of, Hour, lewt. of potatoes, SGlb.. of sugar, 251b.> of oatineal per month. The potatoes cost ;, £15' per ton; For a similar ca'so.'the quantity' of provisions estimated, as supplied to tho', board, was !61b. of flour, 151b. of sugar, 8lb.; of oatmeal, 201b. of potatoes monthly. _ , The secretary'remarked- tliat'.Miss" Kirk' had made V special investigation into tho question of relief, and six''months ago sho-, had recommended tlir.t no further aid should be granted. In spite of this, the Mauricevilla Council con;inued to give relief. _ ■ Mr. Cohen said that the council had increased its assistance, and. the storekeepers would give people anything. At this stage Mr. 11. Smith, who had not attended for five months, came ill for some criticism, i.e residing in the locality'uuder discussion. ' ' 'I ; The cho.irman suggested that the council should be asked for an explanation on the/ matter.- He thought that entries like flour.-: might cover purchases not specified. In the interest of both board and council tho closest ■ scrutiny was necessary'.. ; ■ Tho secretary remarked that there were ' cases which wcro not entitled to relief, -and it should cea.se.. : V-.'i' • It- Was not to pass-the-statement - of accounts. : .- ,