RELIEF OF UNEMPLOYMENT

Taranaki Daily News, 13 June 1932, Page 6

RELIEF OF UNEMPLOYMENT

HOSPITAL BOARDS’ ATTITUDE,

ARGUMENT WITH MINISTER.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Wellington, Last Night. The special committee concerning unemployment set up by the Hospital Board*’ Association reported as follows to conference yesterday:-— . “That as from duly 1 the hospital boards cannot provide from their own funds relief to unemployed who are ht for light or heavy work, as the hospital boards have budgeted only up to June 30, as directed by the Government. In order to assist in a difficult undertaking tho hospital boards agree to place their machinery for assisting distress at the disposal of the Unemployment Board, provided that the necessary funds are made available. It was recommended that a committee be appointed by the conference to confer with the Unemployment Board, the committee suggested being the Rev. Reed, Messrs. Petherick, Wharton, Phillips, Mclntyre, Knight, M. MacDonald and Wallace. The committee was recommended to wait on the Unemployment Board in the afternoon, and the committee draw the attention - Of the conference to the urgent need for hospital boards to endeavour to provide work f? r unemployed trained nurses as a relief measure. The chairman, Mr. W. Wallace, said the Hon. J. G. Coates’ statement was simply splitting straws. Mr. Coates had undoubtedly said that he accepted responsibility with respect to A and B class unemployed. “We said to the Minister that the hospital boards were prepared to place their expert officers and organisations at the public service in. this matter,” said Mr. Wallace. “We did not infer for a moment that the Unemployment Board should take the responsibility of charitable aid. That is our job, and we are prepared to do it, but if they want us to provide for A and B men they must find the money.”