FOOD FOR NEEDY

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 200, 21 May 1931, Page 8

FOOD FOR NEEDY

Farmers’ Union Effort

AUCKLAND MOVE

Gifts of Surplus Produce

FREE DISTRIBUTION

By Telegraph—Press Association,

Hamilton, May 20. Practical measures for relieving tlie widespread destitution and hardship which is likely to prevail in Auckland this winter, were taken by the Auckland Provincial Conference of the Farmers’ Union at Hamilton to-day. Hearty support was accorded a scheme submitted by Mr. H. GUI, of Te Puke, for the distributing of surplus stocks of foodstuffs to those in need.

Mr. Gill said while farmers were living on their capital and borrowed capi,tai there.were others in a worse posttion than themselves. He referred especially to the unemployed, and he thought perhaps that the machinery of the Farmers’ Union should be used to reduce considerably the discomforts of those who did not know where the next meal was coming from. Few farmers were in the position in which they could not supplv a certain amount of foodstuffs for unfortunate people in the cities. He suggested that the union combine in sending supplies to social organisations in Auckland. These goods should be transported and distributed free of cost. He believed it would redound to the credit of the union if they assisted social conditions in the city this winter in the manner suggested. The following resolution was carried: “This conference approves the proposal advanced by Mr. Gill that surplus stocks of produce be forwarded through the Auckland office of tlie union to social workers in Auckland in order that this organisation may contribute toward the relief of destitution, particularly among women and children; that branch secretaries be commiinicated with asking their co-operation in assembling and dispatching surplus stocks of produce.”

“IMPOSSIBLE POSITION”

Hospital Board’s Difficulties

Dominion Special Service.

New Plymouth, May 20.

“Since Sunday afternoon fourteen men have applied to me for tea, bed. and breakfast. Last night when I returned home four were waiting for me under the hedge. They had just come into town, were wet through, and wanted bed and breakfast. The number is increasing the whole time, and we cannot go on with it.” So stated Mr. J. Brown, speaking upon the subject of charitable aid at yesterday’s meeting of the Taranaki Hospital Board. The discussion concerned the effects of the Unemployment Act upon the responsibilities of hospital boards in the light of reduced expenditure and increased unemployment. “It is noticeable.” stated the chairman of the Social Welfare Committee. Rev. R. B. Gosnell, reporting for the past year, “that when, in accordance with the terms of the Unemployment Act, men are stood down for one week in four, we are deluged by able-bodied men who claim assistance, quoting Parliamentary authority for their action. The committee dotiiits very much whether it is part and parcel of our work to accept such a big responsibility and will formulate a definite scheme for future action. We find that men are constantly flouting maintenance orders —so much so that probably a dozen people are receiving help from this board who should be supported by their husbands.” ’When the Prime Minister returned from England, said the chairman. Mr. S. Vickers, he announced that no sustenance would be paid without work in return. Yet, when a question had been asked in the House about a destitute woman wandering the streets of Auckland, either the Prime Minister or the Minister stated there was no need for that as she could have received sustenance from the hospital board. He did not know where it would end. The board was being forced into an impossible position, as he thought it could not refuse to assist starving people. ______