Minister Taken to Task In Destitution Case

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 135, 11 June 1935, Page 7

Minister Taken to Task In Destitution Case

“INCORRECT STATEMENT” p er press Association. AUCKLAND, Last. Night, Exception to tlio statement made by the Minister of Employment (Hon. S. Ct. Smith) concerning the destitute relief ■worker who was charged at the Police Court last week with theft is taken by the man concerned and by social workers interested in his ease. The man denied the Minister’s statement that he was employed in a Public Works camp for six months earning £3 a week. The highest pay he has received for a fortnight was £5 12s, he says. In October he earned £(1 10s lot the month. He further denies that he received a Christmas bonus or that he was placed on sustenance at his own request. He says ho has never been offered work in a Public Works camp at £3 a week, and he was not receivingfree milk, although ho had been notified that his application had been approved and that he is to apply again next Thursday. As to the Minister’s statement that a man could get loot wear repaired at a boot depot for the cost of the material only, he said he had no money to pay for the material

Rev. G. E. Moreton said he considered the Minister’s statement was a reflection upon the police and tho Justice Department. What the police had stated in Court was absolutely true. The Minister’s statement was incorrect, and his department should have been more careful before issuing it. The statement showed no appreciation of tho humane consideration given to the case by tho Magistrate and the police. “How on earth,” concluded Mr. Moreton, “can auyono expect a man to live of 29s a week when he has to pay 14s for rent and keep four persons?” He added that as a result of the sympathy aroused by the publicity given to tho man’s case he had been found permanent employment.