RELIEF SCALES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22595, 7 December 1936, Page 12

RELIEF SCALES

Sj ri —J n reference to Mr. J. Thorn's commentary 011 relief and sustenance, it is appalling the manner in which the ill asid disab ed are being treated. As one who is e; lied upon to pay the Government dem mds for the support and maintenance of the fit and ablebodied men who refuse to accept farm work, I hav<s to help to support an invalid son. Apart from special food and medicine being required, the services of a doctor are often necessary to prevent a complete collapse, at a cost greater than the 10s per week which is evidently considered sufficient by the Hospital Board to restore his health and enable him to earn a living again. Mr. Armstrong and his colleagues must consider that a sick man requires less to sustain him, or some provision would be granted. Unless a man is bedridden, he is not permitted an invalid pension of £'l per week, as an appeal in that direction has proven. It is evident that only one hope remains, that he may recover sufficiently to have bis condition considered fit and we'l enoiig.i to require sustenance by the l.ncmplo)ment Department Distressed.