TACKLING THE DOLE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17948, 28 November 1932, Page 5

TACKLING THE DOLE

SAVINGS IN N.S.W. REDUCED TAXATION IN VIEW SYDNEY, Nov. IS. The Government is tackling the dole problem with a definite purpose in view—the reduction of taxation. But it has a tough battle before it, and one iu which it is bound to get very little, Credit for being possessed of sympathy or human feeling. . During the last few months there has been a saving of nearly £500,000 through the elimination of fraud. In some districts, the Government is getting very little assistance from the storekeepers themselves who will cash the coupons or provide those who bring them with tobacco, or other things, leaving the families of these people to scratch as best they can to get a sufficiency of food. In the city it is much the same. There arc people who trade their dole coupons, and there are many who are willing to cash them.

It is not an uncommon thing to hour recipients of the dole boasting about their achievements. The other day a man was telling of the difficulties he experienced in keeping himself lit on the scale provided. “I reckon,” he said, “if they had our system in America they would soon be reconciled to prohibition. I haven't had a beer since the dole commenced.” “Well, Bill,” said the other, “I reckon you are a fool. Look at me I I’ve been on the dole at long as you, but I have never missed my pint of beer a day and three bottles at the week-end.” He did not reveal his secret, but it shows that dole coupons can be bartered for anything, even for liquid refreshment and a few bob on with the starting price bookmaker. The Government is getting down to work in real earnest. Very shortly there will be a system introduced which will eliminate the coupons and will get the relief ration issued through the selected shopkeeper all on thii one day. There is a disinclination to work 1o pay for the rations. But then there is a disinclination on the part of many to work at all oven tor wages. Some centres of trouble whole the qucstioTiftire forms have been burnt have passed resolutions urging the local councils not to apply for loans to give them relief work, they prefer the, dole. But it is only a mood like the blues on a cloudy day. Once the cloud of depression is removed they will join with the rest in the workaday world.