DISTRESS RELIEF

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1933, Page 4

DISTRESS RELIEF

SEVERAL PLANS DISCUSSED. CONFERENCE IN WELLINGTON. (Per Press Association— Copyright.) WELLINGTON, April .12. Several problems affecting welfare of relief workers were discussed at a, conference held .to-day at the request of the “New Zealand Smith Joyspreaders Incorporation.” The Mayor presided, and there were present, representatives of local bodies and relief organisations in the various centres. On the motion of the Smith Family, a resolution was passed expressing to the Governor-General heartfelt appreciation in instituting a national relief fund. A motion to s«t up a national relief council was discussed and lost. A remit was carried that it vrasi desirable that societies for the relief of distress should become incorporated. The conference endorsed the principle of taxing Art Union profits for raising money for relief of distress*. There was considerable opposition. The Mayor of Lower- Hutfc stressed that art unions provided only a precarious method of raising money, and. said the source of funds should be certain as taxation. A reply was made to this that organisations had to rely on voluntary contributions which were by no means reliable. The original, motion that the proceeds from six; consecutive art unions he used for the alleviation of distress was lost by a vote, hut an amendment that a su\sstantial tax he imposed on art union profits was carried without debate.