CHARITABLE RELIEF.

Otago Witness, Issue 2856, 9 December 1908, Page 33

CHARITABLE RELIEF.

FURTHER CAUSTIC COMMENT. (Fbou Oub Own Cobhbspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, December 2. At the annual meeting of the Charitable Aid Board today the retiring chairman, commenting on the remarks of Mr Gallaway at Dunedin with regard to the necessity for a compulsory labour colony, said that there was not enough thrift in the people. If they did not get the old-age pension they came on the Charitable Aid i i Board. It was a disgrace that children of old parents should come to that board : and urge that the board should take them off their hands, and get them into the homes. He thought the men who deserted their wives should be made to work and earn money for their wives and families. He did not think that they should penalise the -members of fchefriendly societies by deducting what they were getting from their lodges from charitable aid. There was an alarming increase in the number of illegitimate children. Under the new act, ii the mother did not pay the foster parents they could come on the board. Provision should be made for those who loafed about

the streets, and who would do nothing to assist their wives. They should be made either to work or to come and face the board. There was one case in which the board was keeping a family wher« three children had been born during thf time the board had been supporting th« family. He thought the board, rather than endeavouring to save the rates, endeavoured to do justice as between th.4 ratepayers and the recipients of relief.