SINGLE UNEMPLOYED

Southland Times, Issue 22203, 21 December 1933, Page 6

SINGLE UNEMPLOYED

WIDE DISSATISFACTION. NO MONEY FOR CHRISTMAS. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, December 20. Representatives of the unemployed single men when receiving their sustenance grants to-day made a statement to the Post that dissatisfaction exists. The usual amount received by them has been 8/8 per week, 7/6 cash and 1/2 for rations. Expecting some further relief for the Christmas season the men were extremely disappointed when they went to the bureau this week and were told that they would get no rations. This meant a reduction of 1/2 a week. The men discussed the matter and decided to approach the Unemployment Board. The last pay was on December 19 and the next was not due till December 28 so the men have to exist for nine days on 7/6 and this during the Christmas season. Far from receiving even a trifling measure of additional assistance, they were met with conditions worse than any they had been under the whole of the year. To make matters worse, the reduction followed on two short pays for during the last fortnight single men had had stopped from sustenance their unemployment levy in the shape of 2/6 for the week ended December 5 and 3/- for the week ended December 12, the extra 6d being a fine for late payment. In other words, they had been fined for having no money. Arrangements have been made to meet the board to-morrow morning.