PROTEST IN CHURCH

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 68, 13 December 1932, Page 11

PROTEST IN CHURCH

Reduced Relief Pay CONCERN AT AUCKLAND Congregation Supports Motion By Telegraph.—Press Association, Auckland, Dec. 12. During divine service af St. Peter's Presbyterian Church, Grey Lynu, on Sunday, the congregation decided that a message should be sent to the Prime Minister, the Rt. lion. G. W. Forbes, expressing its deep concern at the “feeling which has been created iu many minds as the result of the recent action of the Government in further reducing the already inadequate remuneration of relief workers.” The congregation respectfully urged the Government immediately to restore the 10 per tout, cut in relief pay.

After the Minister, the Rev. E. 11. Kedgley, had made the intimations for the week, ho announced that a very unusual process was about to be adopted. He said he would not contemplate such an unorthodox procedure if it were not for the strong feeling of St. Peter's Session that the serious situation which had arisen in Auckland warranted extraordinary action. He read the motion, and two .members of the session, standing up, moved and seconded it. He then said: “I will ask those iu favour of the motion to rise and those who oppose it to retain their seats.” The congregation rose in a body, and tbe Minister declared the motion had been carried unanimously. To-day the resolution was forwarded to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Employment, and tbe Leader of the Opposition. Mr, Kedgley stated to-day that the eta iu relief pay had been discussed last Wednesday night by the kirk session, speakers evincing grave concern of the possible consequences if the cut should be continued. It was agreed that the situation warranted an expression of opinion from the congregation, and a suitable motion was framed and adopted unanimously by the session for submission to the congregation ou Sunday. “We know the situation in Grey Lynu intimately,” said Mr. Kedgley. "and wo have been deeply concerned regarding the bitter feeling that has arisen since the cut was made in relief pay. Only reinstatement of the reductions will prevent an ugly situation arising.”

MILLERTON PROTEST Men Go to Westport By Telegraph.—Press Association. Westport, Dec. 12. A deputation of 43 unemployed from Millerton came into town to-day and interviewed the deputy-chairman of the Buller Hospital, Mr. Fox, iu tbe absence of the chairman, Hon. W. H. Mclntyre, .who is at Nelson. The deputation stressed their dire necessity in view of the cuts in unemployed allowances and the stand-down week, and also waited ou Mr. H. E. Holland, M.P., who got in touch with the Minister of Employment, and ascertained from him that a meeting of Cabinet was being held to-night, and that a decision, would be macle known in the morning. In the meantime the unemployed are waiting in town, tbe board having given orders for tea, bed, and breakfast. Failing some relief a member of the deputation stated women would come and" join them iu their protest. They state they are worse off than unemployed elsewhere. They have no gardens or means of supplementing their earnings at Millerton, and there is no fund there from which assistance can be given such as mayors’ funds iu the cities.