MAORI RELIEF MONEY

Grey River Argus, 6 March 1937, Page 4

MAORI RELIEF MONEY

Wasted on Drink MINISTER’S COMMENTS. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 5. The following statement, was issued by the Minister of Labour, Hon H. T. /Armstrong, 'lloi-day:—“l am particularly perturbed al the frequent representations received by me from reputable citizens individually, and from units of social and welfare- organisations of recognised standing, regarding the manner' in which, in some eases, moneys provided from 'the Employment, Promotion Fund for relief purposes are being misapplied, or, in plain words, squandered l in the purchase erf intoxicating liquors. With, out wishing to infer anything derogatory to our Maori peoples, for whom I have the utmost respect, the position to -which I make reference is unIfortunately most .noticeable in some districts, where the proportion of Maori population is fairly high. “I am satisfied that some definite action should be taken to discourage the wasteful expenditure of moneys provided’ from u fund 1 created and maintained with the fundamental object of relieving immediate distress consequent upon inability to secure employment. It cannot be overlooked rhaf the- Employment Promotion Fund is maintained by direct taxation upon all sections of the community, and any sane-thinking person must surely be- concerned 1 when it is apparent that moneys from the fund to which he or she as an individual citizen is contributing, are being wastefully expended. In future, therefore,_ -steps will be taken to deny -relief assistance to Maori and pakeha alike where there is reliable evidence - that the recipient thereof is wastefully expending same instead of applying the money s to the purpose for which they are granted, namely the proper maintenance of himself and/or wife and dependents. “Where suspension of relief is decided upon, the applicants will, however, have the right to represent thear case to the Head Office of the Department of Labour, .when each case will be decided 1 on its merits and appropriate action taken that will be sure that any relief granted will be spent in a proper manner. “Although I have already indicated that the policy is t 0 be applied without any differentiation whatsoever between pakeha and Maori, the. particu. lar circumstances of the Maori are being carefully considered' with the object of guarding against misapplication of relief moneys by the introduction of a scheme, which will permit of unemployment relief assistance being extended by way of orders on suppliers for necessary ho'usehold or personal commodities. The practicability of introducing such a system of affording relief is being closely investigated', as it seems quite apparent that the present system of cash payments by sustenance allowance is not, in some eases, fully meeting the inte.ntions and spirit, of the sustenance provisions embodied in the Act.’

DOLESi IN (KIND. A “WOWSER” PROPOSITION. CHRISTCHURCH, March 5. Emphatic opposition to a remit dealing with sustenance men, was expressed by a number of delegates at the conference of the Federation ot Justices of the Peace Association, tins morning. The remit, which was proposed by Mr E. Whitcombo (Manawatu). ‘was: “That the Government be asked t 0 consider the advisability of supplying a ll sustenance tn kiud or orders, and no cash, in view of the fact that many recipients of sustenance spend their allowances on drink, instead of on food and clothing.” Mr A. J. .Stratford 1 seconded the remit.. “This seems to me to be interieriug with the liberty of the subject, said Mr H. F. Herbert (Canterbury). It brands everybody receiving sustenance as a ‘boozer,’ and says they can get money they are entitled to. “This remit,” said Mr H. W. Jhortt (Wellington), “is far too sweeping. It practically condemhs every unfortunate individual who is on sustenance. personally, I think it is outside our jurisdiction to condemn sustenance men as drunkards, and refuse to give them any money. It i* a reflec. tion on the population of New Zea--1 On being put to the vote, the remit was rejected unanimously, on the voices. -