"MUST NOT STARVE."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21162, 20 April 1932, Page 10

"MUST NOT STARVE."

MEN WHO REFUSE WORK. HOSPITAL BOARD DECISION. RELIEF FOR ALL IN NEED. The action it was proposed to take in connection with llio relief of unemployed men who refused work under Government schemes was discussed at a meeting of tho Auckland Hospital Board yesterday, when a deputation from tho Auckland Unemployed Movement was heard. Members took tho view .that the Government should he responsible for all relief, but it was decided that while responsibility rested with the board 110 necessitous case would bo overlooked. "Tho position is a very serious one insaid the chairman, Mr. W. Wallicc. "Tho responsibility is really not one for the board, but the Government has been discussing the question for years and there has been too much 'dillydallying.' The board must continued to feed those in want."

The purpose of the deputation was explained by Mr. F. Blackie, acting-secre-tary of tho movement. "We express appreciation of the board's help in tho past and we wish to know what action will be taken with regard to men who refuse certain work owing to the harsh conditions imposed by the Government," he said. Need of Assistance. '■' Our association is one composed of law-abiding citizens and we accept no responsibility for the disturbances of the past few days," said Mr. R. Stanley, the new president of tho movement. "The question of relief work has been decided upon by numbers of men who have 'downed tools' as a protest against the impossible conditions imposed. Wo have not received much in the way of work and wages from the Government for some time past, and we had to make a definite protest. We are now in need of assistance." A further speaker said charitable aid was a wrong name given for what was really unemployed insurance. They felt no shame in accepting relief because in times of prosperity labour's functions had been fulfilled in nulling together with capital. When the deputation withdrew, a motion to go into committee was defeated, and Mr. A. M. Laing withdrew. Duty Facing Board. "There is not a business man in the city who does not wish to see a settlement of the whole position," said Mr. M. J. Savage, M.P. "The position now is that certain requests have been made to the Government by the unemployed men and the Government should give an undertaking that the men will not be allowed to starve until their representations are considered. The board should not have to 'carry the baby.' The men should receive sustenance according to the provisions made by law if work was not available." Mr. J. Rowe: W T ould you except men who do not take the work offered ? "I would not ask men to do something I would not do—and that includes working up to the waist in a swamp," said Mr. Savage. "If the men refuse legitimate work, the matter can be discussed further." The Rev. W. C. Wood said the Government must be told of the serious nature of affairs in Auckland. The board had received a deputation of respectable men representing some thousands of unemployed. It was possible that the Government would not take over outdoor relief for some time and the board had to face the present position. "We have seen what is happening, at least in one camp," said Mr. Wallace. "When the board inspected the camp we did not see one drone the whole day. The men wero working in a deep drain and they have to work steadily to obtain anywhere near their 10s a week. Appeal for Action.

"The situation is really not one for the board to handle, but it is for the Government," added Mr. Wallace. "So far the board has had to provide relief and the men must be fed under any circumstances. Only when the board is relieved of its responsilility can it refer ytlie men to tho Government." "I have been greatly impressed by the deputation," said Dr. E. B. Gunson. "It is time that Auckland people got together and did something for the unemployed. There seems to bo no solution of the problem on the way, in spite of what the Government has said." Mr. Wallace: Nono whatever.

It was decided to explain tho present position to the Government and to ask what provision was being made for sustenance until the promised comprehensive relief schemes came into operation. The matter was referred to tho Relief Committee to take further action.

It was further decided to reply to the deputation that, as long as the responsibility rosted with the board, all persons in need would receive relief. "A SACRED DUTY." AUCKLAND BAPTISTS' VIEWS. Tho Auckland Baptist Social Service Association last evening passed the following resolution:—"That it is essential that the problem of unemployment should bo approached in a different spirit from that which now obtains. Wo believe that sufficient sustenance should bo provided to secure at least tho minimum necessary for decent family life and that the community should recogniso that the unemployed are victims of economic conditions which they did nof, create. We believe that tho difference between niggardly treatment such as fosters despair and such treatment as preserves selfrespect can bo met out of tho resources of this nation, and that it is a sacred duty incumbent on us to meet." MAORIS' REQUEST FOR WORK. RESOLUTION AT TE TEKO. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WHAKATANE, Tuesday. Over 75 unemployed natives of To Teko gathered in the school grounds yesterday to protest against their inability to obtain relief. The secretary of the Whakatane Unemployment Committee, Mr. W. G. Park, informed the natives that any grievances theV might, have, if stated, would bo forwarded to the proper quarter. Mr. Pinikera Kakara explained the natives' grievances. He stated that their chil dren were going to school and all they required was work. A lot of confusion was caused by the inability of the natives to understand tho regulations regarding registration. The following resolution was carried:— "That this meeting of unemployed natives of Te Teko desires the Whakatane Unemployment Committee to do its utmost to find employment - for the natives for the coming winter."