SUSTENANCE LIST

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 142, 13 December 1933, Page 11

SUSTENANCE LIST

SAID TO BE INCREASING

WHAT IS BEING PAID

PRIVATE BODIES EXHAUSTED

The plight of a large number of unemployed in the city, who were placed on the "sustenance list," was mentioned today by Councillor P. M. Butler, who drew attention to the fact that the number on the "sustenance list" was continually increasing. He estimated that the total number was in the vicinity of 600, of which approximately 360 were single men. SUSTENANCE RATES. The relief given to those placed on this list was half the usual amount paid whilst engaged on the. No. 5 scheme, said Mr. Butler, thus, single men received 7s 6d in cash plus a ration order valued at Is 2d. The amount paid to married men varied. Those whose wives were in receipt of pensions or other income received 7s 6d plus lOd. Men whose wives were earning a certain amount and who were not totally, dependent on relief works, got 10s plus Is Bd. Other rates were:—2§-day men (no children), 12s 6d plus 2s 6d; 3-day men (with one child), 15a plus 3s 4d; 3J-day men (with two children), 17s 6d plus 4s 2d; 4-day men (three children or more), 20s plus ss. These amounts werß ( totally inadequate and those in receipt of them had perforce to eke out an existence by assistance rendered by the social organisations in the city. The growth of the numbers on sustenance had caused an unprecedented number of applications for assistance, with the. result that the relief organisations were at present almost at the end1' of their tether, and the outlook for Christmas and the immediate future was dark, unless the Government made an effort to meet the situation. ' PLIGHT OF SINGLE MEN. "The plight of the single men is causing concern," said Councillor Butler. "Very few of them can obtain a room for less than 6s per week, leaving them Is 6d in cash to provide themselves with soap, laundry, and food. It is a situation which is creating an indelible impression of bitterness in those who are looked on as our future foundation. This suppressed bitterness may cost the nation more than a reasonable alleviation of their .predicament. "The Hospital Board will not help these sustenance men unless they ark classed unfit. Those in charge of the Mayor's Belief Fund and the interchurch committees, lave arrived at the stage where Telief to the married men has to be curtailed, and relief to single men refused. The Salvation Army, the City Mission, and the Smith Family have been woVking under se-vere handicaps which have restricted their efforts. In fact, it is almost impossible for a single man to augment his 7s 6d by any other means of relief, whilst it is becoming increasingly difficult for relief to be extended even to the married men. There are men to whom the ideas of organised charity and shelters are repugnant, but if all the men affected accepted tne ofier of these bodies it is, doubtful if they could be provided for. - > "The work at the City Mission _is very difficult, and it is to be noted with, regret that a number of the men availing themselves of the hospitality offered do not make any effort to meet the small payment expected. This hag placed the shelter in an awkward position and a large deficit has accumulated. "I have been informed from a reliable source that almost £125 in meals alone, reinains.unpaid for the las.t three, mdnths. "Of course this does n'dt apply to all of the men, as a large number meet the small sum expected, but in doing so they forgo even simplest relaxations." *