WINNING BACK

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 109, 10 May 1934, Page 10

WINNING BACK

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I cannot endorse the statc7iiejit made by Sir James Parr, High Commissioner, in an article, "New Zealand Winning Back'to Prosperity," in your paper of, May 3. Talking, of unemployment he says, anything in the nature of a dole system, was avoided. Men were offered employment at a rate of pay that meant reasonable sustenance and which at the'same.'time did iiot impose' an impossible burden on the community. Mauy a hundred, yes, thoiisands, of men in New Zealand know these words arc not true. Surely, Sir J. Parr must forget the cost of living and rents in New Zealand when he makes that statement. Many a man today, through no fault of his own, has to keep a wife and two or three children on 25s per week —less than 5s after rent is paid to buy food, clothing, firing, and pay doctor's bills. If it was not for the voluntary organisations hundreds would be without homes, clothing, or food. It's a pity these Samaritans did not close their doors for a few days, just to let the Government see what it is failing to do, in not giving a man a living wage.—l am, etc.,/ '•.-.■■■"

LIFE'S A BATTLE, BUT NOT "VICTORY.