UNEMPLOYED WORKER’S EXPLANATION.

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 25 August 1931, Page 6

UNEMPLOYED WORKER’S EXPLANATION.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—With reference to my statements at the meeting of unemployed on Thursday night last, I wish to state that I simply stated my own experience during the last few weeks. I am sorry if I have given offence to anyone, but I ask you, sir, to consider imy position. I have a wife and eight children to support. The eldest is 11 years old, and I doubt if there is any man in Hawera with the obligations I have arid with the same income to meet them. I frankly admit that I received help from the people of Hawera when mv house was burned out four years ago. I was- very grateful for the assistance I received and I puhliclv thanked those concerned at the time. When the present unemployment became serious I had received nothing until after the public meeting, when, the first week after, I received a very good order from t-lie Tv.N.xv. I was then told I would have to call f-or my rations, which I did. The first of these was fair, and I was satisfied. After then the weekly order got smaller, until finally my last order consisted of £lb of butter, lib- rice, _2lb -sugar, one loaf of bread and a piece of 'meat. The meat, I must explain, was frozen and had soaked into tlie bread, consequently we had to cut off a- good part of the loaf. I imagine that the order had been made up for, some time, thus causing this waste, and I think that may have affected the keeping quality of the meat, as I assure you it was quite black and I considered unfit to use. I also asked on two occasions for a pair of shoes for one of my girls. This was refused, and as a result I had to keep ilier athome for five days until I got my wages, as she was too big to send to school without them. I also am aware, isir, that an order had been given to other unemployed to get new boots. I also asked for a working coat for myself, but was unable to get -one. Now. sir, since then I have received nothing, four weeks ago at least. In view of the fact that the public had subscribed liberally for relief, and the almost unbearable burden my wife and self, were living under, is it any wonder that I expressed myself as 1 did? What I have stated are facts, and I would like some of the good folks who blame me _ for fighting for nil I possess (my children) to stay their hasty words. Life _ is very hard for us. and T wonder if in similar circumstances they would always take time to choose and weigh their words. Since Christmas I have not averaged more than £2 5s per week. _ My rent is 22s 6d per week. My wife and I have not been to a picture show for eight years, and not one of .my eight children has ever seen a picture show in their lives. In conclusion, if there is anv man that can find me a- permanent job, I assure von. sir, that I have sufficient- independence to ask for no more. Thanking you, sir, for this valuable space.—l am, etc., LAWRENCE BERNARD OWEN.