EXPENDITURE OF UNEMPLOYMENT REVENUE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 4259, 2 November 1933, Page 3

EXPENDITURE OF UNEMPLOYMENT REVENUE.

DESIRE FOR FULLER. DETAILS

An inquiry addressed by the Levin Chamber of Commerce to the Associated Chambers, with the object of ascorlflining from the Minister of Unemployment fuller information than formerly ns to how the revenue received* by his Department was expended, brought a reply from the association to the meeting of the Levin Chamber this week, but it failed to produce the enlightenment most desired. The executive of the parent body submitted that the chamber mat have overlooked the abstract of the revenue and expenditure of the Public Accounts of New Zealand for the year ended March 31, 1933, published as a supplement, to the “New Zealand Gazette’’ on June 12th. A copy of the “Gazette” accompanied the letter. With regard to the contention that the public should be advised as to bow the money was being spent, the executive felt, that it would be a matter of considerable expense to have returns compiled and a statement, published regarding the disposition of the funds, and therefore regretted that it was unable to support the representations made by the chamber to the Minister of Employment. The chairman, in reviewing the statement appearing in the “Gazette,” said that one of the outstanding features of it was that the receipts from the levy, in the last ■ financial year showed a decrease of nearly £IOO,OOO on the previous year,' from £538,503 to £429,003. From the emergency charge, ini'reused from 3d to 1/- in the £, the receipts rose from £710,298 to £3,591.,432. The other receipts were more or less minor items. The total revenue, including n carryover of £184,906 from the previous year, was £4,212,905, as against £2,439,199 for 1931-32. On tin) other side the vote for uneiuployment expenses amounted to £IOO,007. These were evidently administration expenses as they appeared under “Annual Appropriation.” For the previous year the corresponding grant was £34,305. The main scheme of relief payment, accounted for £3,594,030, as against £2,200,545, Sustenance payments were £12,900 (last year nil); food, clothing, etc., £58,000 (nil); loans £21,633 (£10,340). The balance at the end of March last was £424,420 made up of £323,148 in cash, £1,277 imprests outstanding, and £IOO,OOO invested in the Public Account.

The substance of members’ criticism was that details were not readily available as to the manner in which the expenditure was made, particularly as to the amount of over £IOO,OOO for administration expenses. —Chronicle.