RELIEF FUND

Southland Times, Issue 21982, 4 April 1933, Page 6

RELIEF FUND

DIMINISHING BALANCE THE POSITION CAUSING CONCERN THE MAYOR’S STATEMENT Concern regarding the condition of the Mayor’s Relief Fund in view of the approach of winter was expressed to a Times reporter yesterday by his Worship the Mayor (Mr John Miller), who emphasized that as there was certainly no indication of the unemployment position being any better in the near future the need for the Relief Depot would continue to be as great as ever in the past.

His Worship said he hoped it would be possible to continue giving something like an adequate measure of relief to those upon whom unemployment inflicted hardships. The Mayor referred to the indication of the official attitude given by the Hon. Adam Hamilton, Minister for Employment, when, in officiating at the opening of the recent Justices’ Conference, the Minister said: “This problem concerns not only the Government, but everyone, and all must assist. I intend to appeal shortly to the whole Dominion for further assistance to enable those hit badly to weather the coming winter. We hope it will not be a severe one, but it may well be difficult. All who can help with food and clothing we trust will do so. If we can weather the storm this year I believe the world must be put right. It is much better that everyone does all that he can rather than that the Government should be forced to increase the tax.” “The position has been giving me concern for a considerable time,” stated the Mayor. “On March 17 I sent a letter on the subject to the Hon. Adam Hamilton in Wellington, and also to the Commissioner of the Unemployment Board. That is over a fortnight ago and so far I have received no reply.” The letter to which his Worship referred stated: “Since its inception in June, 1931, the sum of £1827 9/8 has beer, donated by the members of the public to the Mayor’s Relief Fund, which has enabled the Mayor’s Relief Committee to afford considerable relief to the many cases of hardship arising as a result of unemployment. Unfortunately the donations have dwindled until they are almost nil and the credit balance has been reduced to approximately £l4O. This means that we will not be able to continue this good work unless assistance is provided. I understand that in some cases in the North Island the Unemployment Board is making a weekly grant to relief committees, and I write to inquire if you could please make it possible for my fund here to be treated in a similar manner and I would suggest the sum of £25 or £3O per week. With regard to supplies of meat, would you please, when replying, indicate the number o[ carcasses per month that will be available for distribution at the depot. I would esteem it a favour if you would please give this request your prompt and sympathetic consideration.” Mr Miller explained that the credit balance of £l4O referred to in the letter had now been diminished to £125, and he hoped that the sympathy of the public and the Government would be such that sufficient support would be forthcoming to enable the Relief Depot to’ carry on its work.