COST OF LIVING

Evening Star, Issue 22351, 29 May 1936, Page 3

COST OF LIVING

MEASE PREDICTED BY MR SILVERSTONE EXTRA CHARITABLE AID ADVOCATED It was certain, said Mr M. Silverstone at tho meeting of the Hospital Board last night, that as a result of now legislation tliere would be an increase in tho internal price level of all commodities in New Zealand, and the sooner that came about the better for everyone concerned, and the fewer people there would be going through the insolvency courts. These remarks were made when the speaker moved the following motion: “ That the money value of the ration allowance be increased by 33 per cent., and where the money income into the homes of all relief recipients is less than 7s Cd a'week an extra grant in each case of not less than 2s Cd a week shall be given.” Mr Silverstone said that with an increased cost of living the old scale of relief granted by the board would be totally insufficient to meet needs on the standard set by the board. People who were dependent upon organisations For assistance should receive an increased allowance to compensate them for tho increase in the commodity price level. In the case of those who received only a ration allowance there should be some money allowance. The time had come when the basis of relief should be increased.

Mr A. Steel seconded the motion. Mr A. F. Quelch said that as this was a policy matter notice of motion should have been given. It was very encouraging, be added, to hear by the remarks of Mr Silverstone that the cost of living was going up 33 per cent. People in town would be interested to hear that. Mr Silverstone: I never said that, and people in town are not quite so stupid as possibly the chairman of the Finance Committee thinks they are. The board, Mr Silverstone added, was starving people now. Mr Quelch said bo objected to the allegation of starving people. The board /had responsible officers, and if there was any starvation going on they were not doing their duty. He had no knowledge of it. and there certainly was none of it in his district at Mosgiol. w After further discussion Mrs W. Ross moved as an amendment that the matter be referred to the Benevolent Committee for a report. Mr Silverstone agreed to accept the a mend men f. which was carried.