MEN ON SUSTENANCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22726, 12 May 1937, Page 12

MEN ON SUSTENANCE

TOWN BOARD'S PROTEST NO. 5 SCHEME FAVOURED Concern over the number of ablebodied men drawing sustenance allowances was expressed in a resolution adopted last night by the Ellerslie Town Board. In discussing the administration of No. 5 scheme works, Mr. J. Gavin suggested that tho board give consideration to the Government's policy of giving able-bodied men sustenance allowance without their being called upon to

give labour in return. Mr. S. Somerfield said there were over ISO men in the Ellerslio postal district drawing sustenance. " At least 50 per cent of the men could be drafted to work on the Government's property in the district." He said the unemployment wages tax was borne mostly by persons receiving less than £6 weekly in wages. " The men would be better engaged on the discarded No. 5 scheme," said Mr. J. J. Toy. Ho had learned that only one man out of eight or nine advised of prospective private employment had reported for work. An emphatic protest should be entered to stimulate public opinion. Mr. A. H. Mclntyro said Mr. Toy's statement regarding the placement office was not borne out by facts. If a man did not accept work he forfeited all claims on the funds. The chairman, Mr. 11. J. White, said he believed the Government was grappling with the problem and ho would deprecate any action which would reflect on its endeavours.

A resolution expressing alarm over the position was adopted without dissent, and it was decided to send a copy to Mr. Osborne.