ASSISTANCE FOR UNEMPLOYED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 21 June 1926, Page 5

ASSISTANCE FOR UNEMPLOYED

FRAUDULENT CASKS (From Our Parliamentary,Correspondent) : CHRISTCHURCH, June. 19.! “The outlook is certainly brighter, hut the. situation is still.serious,’’ said Mrs.H; F/Herbcrt, a prominent Christchurch social 'worker to-day, referring to unemployment, “and there are many genuine cases which deserve every consideration. I am sorry to say there have been some glaring instances in which assistance lmd been obtained by fraudulent means.” In Support of this statement Mrs Herbert cited several eases :ii which applications for assistance had been made, but the applicants lmd i ot favoured any inquiries being made. In one ease a woman lmd received assistance from - quarters; She had actually signed an application to the Hospital Board for charitable aid bn the grounds that her children were starving and tier baby was seriously ill. On inquiry it was found her tale was an absolute fabrication.. Her husband had beer, in constant employment and had not been out of work. “This is only one:of many cases,” concluded Mrs Herbert. Speaking on the question of undeserving eases receiving assistance Mr K. B. Owen said the committee were out to •help all deserving cases of people who were up against it, hut unfortunately cases of tlie other kind were received frequently. Now, however, strict investigations were nmde ; before assistance was given.