COST OF RELIEF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21763, 31 March 1934, Page 10

COST OF RELIEF

NO REDUCTION IN TAX ALL REVENUE WILL BE USED DEMANDS OF THE WINTER UNEMPLOYMENT FINANCES [BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION] INVERCARGILL, Friday A statement regarding unemployment finance was made yesterday by the Hon. A. Hamilton, Minister of Employment. "Before leaving Wellington," said Mr. Hamilton, "I had a short meeting with the executive members of the Unemployment Board and had an opportunity of reviewing the latest figures relating to the board's finances. On many occasions recently the board has been attacked tor being too niggardly with its funds and for allegedly piling up a large reserve. The board has always taken a serious view of its obligations to the taxpayer, who provides a very largo sum for it to' administer. "It was hoped that tho time was fast approaching when the taxpayer should be relieved of some of this burden, but I regret to have to state that present indications are that the whole of this year's revenue will be used during this financial year. During last winter and spring it was known that the expenditure was greater than the income. Every effort has therefore been made during these summer months to get the expenditure down and this, to a degree, has been attained, but not as much as might be desired. "There is still quite a satisfactory cash balance. Nevertheless we are facing the winter with an unemployment fund that appears at present to be in no better financial position than last year. "It is an unfortunate fact that with unemployment money, practically all tho pressure, in fact the demand, is for the expenditure of more money. Scarcely a protest is ever raised publicly for the taxpayer. If the board is to maintain its finances on a sound basis and aim rather at relieving the taxpayer than at asking for more money, it will be essential for it to have the fullest co-operation and assistance from all local bodies throughout New Zealand."