Should Charitable Aid be National?

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 417, 27 July 1928, Page 16

Should Charitable Aid be National?

AUCKLAND OVER-SPENT POSITION NOT REALISED Though the Auckland Hospital Board allowed £30,000 in its estimates this year for charitable aid, the figures for the first quarter of the period show that the portion allotted to it has been overspent by £2,333. The board considers that the distress is at its peak, and hopes that the coming spring will bring a considerable drop in the amounts demanded. In view of the seriousness of the position the board asked the City Council, last evening, to support it in its endeavours to compel the Government to treat expenditure in relieving unemployment distress as a national matter, thus relieving the present enormous strain on the local rates. Cr. A. J. Stallworthy, in moving that the request be given effect to, declared that it was inevitable that there should be a large influx of workers into Auckland so that the problem was actually a national one. Cr. E. J. Phelan, who seconded, reminded the council that members of Parliament had expressed surprise at the state of affairs in Auckland. The council had endeavoured to play the game in finding work. He did think the council would be justified in approaching the Government on the lines suggested by the Hospital Board. Cr. O. Mcßrine agreed that the question had assumed national proportions and urged that relief be paid in future from the consolidated fund. “It seems to me the council’s job is clear,” said Cr. J. A. C. Allum. "It is to find work for the men.” He did not advocate interference with the Government, which, he considered, to be sufficiently seized of the position. Cr. Stallworthy’s suggestion was carried.