UNEMPLOYED INVASION

Taranaki Daily News, 13 June 1930, Page 11

UNEMPLOYED INVASION

ROTORUA COMPLAINING

CASES OF REAL HARDSHIP.

MEN HUNGRY AND WORKLESS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Hamilton, Last Night.

Some pertinent remarks on the subject of unemployment in his district were made by Mr. W. Hill, Rotorua, to the Waikato Hospital Board to-day, in pointing out that three schemes in the nature of unemployment relief, those of the Rotorua-Taupo Road, afforestation and the baths, were taking place in and near Rotorua. Mr. Hill said the authorities in Auckland were freely and thoughtlessly sending men into the district irrespective of whether jobs were available for them. As a result, the town had been invaded by unemployed, causing a strain on the resources of the hospital board’s outdoor relief fund. He had the greatest difficulty in dealing with these cases, a large number of which came before him each da.y. He did his best for them, at the same time guarding the interests of the board. Some of the men were the usual imposters, making a living at the" game, and adopting it as a profession. Others had tramped long distances to get . to Rotorua as a result of local authorities’ advice. He had seen more than one instance of men with toes sticking out of their boots. Many were willing to work, but could not get.it. They were hungry and homeless. One simply had to do something for them under the circumstances. ■

It was most unfair of the Public Works Department and the afforestation works to attract men whom they could not employ immediately. They often kept penniless men waiting days while they got authority to'employ them. This drain 1 through outdoor relief meant a heavy tax on the ratepayers, but he could not see how it was to be avoided if O3ie was to exercise any humanity at all. The end was not yet in Sight, by any means, men still still'coming through in droves.