RELIEF OF UNEMPLOYMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22712, 26 October 1935, Page 8

RELIEF OF UNEMPLOYMENT

SUGGESTIONS OF MALADMINISTRATION AN EMPHATIC DENIAL (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, October 25. Suggestions of maladministration in connection with the relief of unemployment were given an emphatic denial today by the Minister of Employment, Mr S. G. Smith. The Minister said that in the past such charges had come under hia notice periodically, but on their being investigated it was found that they had absolutely no foundation in fact, “ With the knowledge that inspectors were to be appointed,” he added, “ I preferred to await the results of their operations before making any public general refutation. The inspectors have now minutely examined the complete operations of no fewer than 61 bureaux covering secondary towns and small centres, while in addition they have reviewed the gold prospecting schemes in the South Island and have also conducted 15 special investigations. The official report submitted to the Unemployment Board establishes that in none of these examinations has any fraud, grave mistake or culpable carelessness on the part of any Government employee been revealed, nor has there been any discrepancy in accounting for boots, blankets, or rations. “ I may say,” added the Minister, “ that this confirmation of my own confidence in the administration of unemployment relief affords me extreme pleasure, and will, I hope, dispose of any doubt which may have been created in the minds of the people.”