RELIEF CAMPS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18332, 26 February 1934, Page 2

RELIEF CAMPS

(To tho Editor of the Herald.) Sir, —After reading- Mr Peryerds letter regarding Kopuawhara and Waikokopu camps, I was .more than surprised to see such statements as he lias made and consider Mr Howarth, jun., has not painted the conditions any blacker than they are. Whilst residing here when construction of the line was in progress and returning after an absence of three years, I have seen for myself the deplorable conditions these unfortunate people live under. X have not seen the picture lorry taking the 'people to the pictures since I came here; had there been one I myself would have patronised it. I have yet to meet the person who appreciates the benefits as he points out; all I have spoken to wish they were out of this camp and in civilisation again. Why single out the unfortunate people who were brought here by the Government and left stranded in this forsaken hole, as one visitor described if, “the valley of the lost souls." 1 cannot see how they are better off than their comrndes in the town. Firstly, their allocation is all they have to exist on, and ,as the farmers cannot pay for labor there is no seasonal work to be had. The unemployed in tlie city where l live have no silent week, no transport, charges to pay. Then there are- depots from which they receive vegetables, meat, bread, etc., which I do not sec here. In conclusion I would point out that I bear, no animosity, but state the conditions as I have seen them.—Yours, etc., I. ANDERSON.