CHARITABLE AID.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12403, 12 July 1902, Page 8

CHARITABLE AID.

THE EFFECT OF OLD-AGE PENSIONS. (Frou Our Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, July 11. The representative of the united districts of Linwood, Woolston, and New Brighton on the Charitable Aid Board (who is also chairman of the board) has presented a remarkable report to tho Linwood Borough Council on tho administration of charitable aid. Ho points out that the estimated expenditure for the- current year is £14,430--au' increase of £600 on tho vote for the preceding 12''months,—and goes on to say: "It was anticipated that .one effect on the funds of charitable aid boards on tho coming into operation of the Old-age Pensions Act would be to rcdueei tliern considerably. Locally, although the pension has relieved the board of a number of persons, the board soon experienced au increase in the number of applications either for outdoor relief to supplement the pension or for admission to the homes from, persons who, until the! passing of the act, never dreamed of applying for public charity. Consequently the difference between tho number of persons receiving aid at present and the number prior to tho pacing of the act is not so great as might have been anticipated. Another aspect in this connection is the desire of a large number of pensioners to bccome inmates of tho homes. For the most part these applications cannot bo entertained, or the board would soon .find that Uiese homes would bo converted into boarding establishments for pensioners, to the exclusion of the destitute who for various reasons cannot qualify for the pension, thus defeating the main object in the establishment of thcEO homos. Notwithstanding the prosperous times we are experiencing, there is still a heavy call on the funds of the boards for outdoor relief. The figures in this connection show little difference for the past fivo years.. This branch of the board's work is a most diffioult one, and requires the closest supervision. Resides having to render aid in' food awl other necessaries to those who are unable to help themselves, the board is too often appealed to to assist cases of wives and .families deserted or neglected by able-bodied husbands; parents who get little or no assistance from children' well able to contribute; and an increasing number of. illegitimate children, placed in many instances in the care of baby-farmers, but sooner or later deserted by the, mothers," the sole keep of them eventually falling upon the board." In addition the board provides medical attendance and comforts for those unable io attend or to be admitted to the hospital.