Hastings Relief Funds

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 234, 15 September 1934, Page 6

Hastings Relief Funds

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Being one ot the many contributors to the various appeals on uchalf ot the Mayor s I 1 uiiu and the central Relief L'mnniittce, with the object of assisting the unemployed and eases ol necessity, 1 suggest that it would be of interest to the many subscribers if a statement were published as to how the funds and assistance were distributed. During the past week various rumours have been circulating, as for instance that having exhausted the funds the committee is ceasing to 1 unction. It is certainly correct that the rents assistance scheme is to cease at the end of this month as it is “considered no longer necessary.” A statement was published about this time last year in connection with the lirst month’s activities wherein it was stated that £7B was paid out in office and administration expenses. Is it a tact that some cases have been assisted to the extent of amounts ranging from £2O to £5O whilst other urgent cases of distress have been ignored? How much is paid out weekly in the way of wages and administration? Is this just one more instance of private interests, soft jobs for the privileged few ? If there is no truth in these rumours a denial and the proven facts should bo published. Such a condition of affairs, should it exist, is grossly unfair to the sympathetic public who have so unselfishly contributed to the funds and also a dastardly betrayal of the unemployed who have surely had more than their share of misery and disappointment. For the sake of all concerned a little light shed upon this subject would be of great value. —Yours, etc., ENQUIRER. Hastings, 7/9/34.