MISPLACED CHARITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13523, 22 August 1907, Page 5

MISPLACED CHARITY.

ABUSE OF THE SYSTEM. [BY TELEGRAPH.SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Wednesday. The Inspector-General of Hospitals (Dr. Valintine) states, in his annual report on the charitable aid system of the colony, that "in some districts relief is very loosely, if not lavishly, administered." He quotes the following instances, which he said all occurred <n one district: — 1. G has been in receipt of charitable aid for some years. By his first marriage there were five children. Recently he married again, and in due courso his wife presented him with twins. When I visited this family last February I found G was receiving 16s 6d a week from the Board. Two boys had been earning 2s 6d a week, but had returned home for a change. It was reported that G received £1 a. week from relatives, and he admitted to considerable monetary gifts. He was paying 9s a week for a house and five acres. On the Monday after my visit ho wrote to the Board, saying he would not require further assistance. 2. A widow, aged 40, with three children, receives 14s 6d a week from the Board. Her washing brings her in about 3s a day. 3. A deserted wife, with five children, received 15s a week from the Board (6s for rent, 6s for groceries, and 3s for meat). Until recently she had been earning 10s a week from the local school committee, but gave that up, as "too hard work." 4. Mrs. Y was receiving 7s 6d a week from the Board on account of her husband's illhealth, but the latter had beeu earning 8s a day since December last. She lives in her own house, which was bought on the death of her first husband, when she was left at least £150 in insurance. The present income of the family (per week) is: — From Board, 7s 6d; rent of four-roomed house, say, ss; husband's earnings at 8s a day, £2 8s ; from daughter in service (who gets 10s a week), ss: total, £3 5s 6d. Dr. Valintine adds that "further comment is needless."