THE ALLOCATION OF RELIEF

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21920, 4 April 1933, Page 8

THE ALLOCATION OF RELIEF

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,— Through your columns may I call the public attention to the farcical methods adopted in dealing with the allocation of relief work? I have been unemployed for 30 months. By existing in a condemned hovel with my wife and boy for 12 years, we managed to save, with difficulty, a few pounds with the intention of some day owning a home of our own. The slump’came. I did not apply for relief work, realising that there were others in worse case than myself. The position became so bad that at last I was forced to apply, only to be told that every pound I had must be used before I could be given work. Later. 1 was given one day a week, and, finally, after much effort, 1 managed to get 'three days a week. .Recently, 1 was fortunate in getting a month’s work at my trade with a firm in this city. This finished three weeks ago, and I immediately took steps to re-register at the bureau. I was informed that work was only offered in the country. This I turned down on the ground of a medical complaint that would absolutely debar me from country work. The alternative was sustenance of 15s per week. Three weeks ago. immediately on finishing with the prementioned linn, I affixed to my gate a small plate bearing my name and occupation, in the hope that, should I be fortunate in securing a small job. I would be relieved of the necessity of relief work or sustenance. This would have benefited both myself and the unemployed funds. Unfortunately. no one has required my services, and not one penny piece has come into my home for three weeks or more. Mow do we live? I don't know. My apnih-a-tion form for sustenance had to be in today. Can you imagine my feelings when I was informed that I was ineligible for sustenance or relief work of any kind, because I was in business. I had mv name on my gate; I was competing with other firms, etc., etc.

I ask you. Sir, is this the correct attitude to adopt to one who is doing his best to help himself and his family to struggle through this dark period? Is this an instance of British fair play to one who has fought justly and uprightly against overwhelming adversities for the last 12 years? Shall this be classed as an example of New Zealand justice to one .who has served his country and who is now endeavouring to keep a roof over his head; who, with his wife and boy, have been deprived of all amusements, pictures, and holidays—aye, and even food in the struggle for existence? ... I am penalised for trying to get work. How are we to live? I refuse to take my name off my gate; it might lead to work. Whether it does or not, I am debarred from any form of relief. One thing I do know: there will be no quarterly levy forthcoming from me wnen next it is due, unless things are rapidly I venture to suggest that the attitude that has been adopted towards me is utterly contemptible, and calls for the strongest condemnation of whoever is responsible.—l am, etc.,