CASES IN THE CITY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 125, 30 May 1930, Page 15

CASES IN THE CITY

A SERIOUS "PROBLEM

" Speakiiigat the'HoapftaL'Boarcl meeting yesterday, tho chairman of the Social Welfare Committee (Mr. G. Potheriek) said that there were 40 more cases receiving help at tho end of the month than at the commencement —309 as against 325. Unemploj'ment was largely responsible for-thafr'v-Gri Monday last 57 cases of married men who were out of employment were dealt with. On Tuesday the committee had 45 unemployed cases, and ten cases of men working only part time. The cases dealt with on the two days included 113 renewal applications, and 61 new cases. There were 41 single men in that list. During the week the committee-gave, orders for 170 meals and C 3 beds. It was a growing problem which the board must face. On Monday last ho was at the office from 2 till 6 o'clock dealing with those cases. On Tuesday he was a longer time, and on reaching his shop at 20 minutes to 7 he found a queue waiting for attenfion and help, and that had to bo given before he could get his own evening ■.nieXl.

'ViMr. Pethcriek expressed the hope 'that something would be done by the JEr.overnment whose responsibility it largely was to deal with this matter.

Mr. F. Castle thought the Social Welfare Committee deserved the thanks of the board for the work it had done. That committee should be given some assistance by other members of tho boar 3;.

ThVchairinan (Mr. C. M. Luke): "I titi&k that matter can bo considered at the---"'nest■ meeting of the committee.'' Tiio'-general question of unemployment1 was.":now receiving,'the attention of the Government. Ho paid a tribute to tho chairman of. tbe committee (Mr. G. Pether.ick) for the splendid work he had 'dorse. The Hospital Board would .be. glad to co-operate with tho action being taken by tho Government in dealing with unemployment.

M'rß.'-'P.vFraser: '-'Mr. Pethcrick could speak witii great knowledge on this matter."

Mrs. J. K. Preston thought that camps should bo immediately established in the country where employment could be given to young men.

The chairman replied that ho understood that giving.. .work in 'connection with forestry and ;Wthor, employment in. the country was contemplated. • ' •