RELIEF DEPOT

Southland Times, Issue 22295, 10 April 1934, Page 9

RELIEF DEPOT

PURCHASE OF COMMODITIES. COUPONS SYSTEM FOR UNEMPLOYED. A Press Association message from Christchurch dated April 4 stated that a new scheme for the distribution of relief, whereby those receiving assistance would be required to buy at reduced price the goods they require, was before a meeting of the Metropolitan Relief Association. After a discussion in which the majority of the speakers opposed the scheme, it was referred to a special committee for a report. Actually there is nothing very new in the scheme as outlined at the meeting in Christchurch, for on June 17, 1933, this system was commenced at the Relief Depot in Yarrow street and is still in vogue. The basis is that instead of giving the commodities free of charge to the relief worker, the relief worker is called upon to contribute a small percentage of the cost of the goods; by this method the benefits can be spread among a greater number of families. During last winter 280 cords of firewood were distributed, the relief worker paying 5/- a cord. Coal supplies were made available on a similar basis, the relief worker paying 2/- a bag for the coal. Butter is also supplied, the relief worker contributing 4d a pound. At present, coupons are issued at the depot to the unemployed, covering such necessities as bread, sugar, floui’ and oatmeal. By this method, the relief worker can present his coupons at any of the retailers in the town, pay the difference in price himself, and the retailer forwards the coupons to the Town Hall, where the cost is met from the Mayor’s relief fund. Boot repairs are effected at the depot for the relief worker and his dependents at a nominal charge to cover the cost of materials only. When there are supplies of meat made available by the Government, as was the case during last winter, they are handled at the depot and sold at an average price of from lid to 2d a pound. It will be observed that the system of issuing coupons for so many of the commodities enables the retailers in the town to do the business, while at the same time a considerable concession is made at the expense of the Relief Fund to help the relief worker. Naturally there is a considerable strain upon the relief fund, which is maintained largely from public subscription, and the Mayor or the Town Clerk will at all times be pleased to receive donations in cash or goods from the public.