SUSTENANCE MEN’S PAYMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 23141, 6 March 1937, Page 18

SUSTENANCE MEN’S PAYMENTS

OPPOSITION TO REMIT AT J.P’s CONFERENCE

(United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, March 5.

Emphatic opposition to a remit dealing with sustenance men was expressed by a number of delegates at the conference of the Federation of Justices of the Peace Association this morning. The remit which was proposed by Mr E. Whitcombe (Manawatu), was: “That the Government be asked to consider the advisability of supplying all sustenance in kind or orders and no cash in view of the fact that many recipients of sustenance spend their allowances on drink instead of food and clothing.” Mr A. J. Stratford seconded the remit. , , . “This seems to me to be interfering with the liberty of the subject,” said Mr H. F. Herbert (Canterbury). “It brands everybody receiving sustenance as a ‘boozer’ and says they can’t get -the money they are entitled to.” “This remit,” said Mr H. W. Shortt (Wellington), “is far too sweeping. It practically condemns every unfortunate individual who is on sustenance. Personally I think it is outside our jurisdiction to condemn sustenance men as drunkards and refuse to give them any more. It is a reflection on the population of New Zealand.” On being put to the vote the remit was rejected unanimously on the voices.