DENIAL OF CHARGES

Taranaki Daily News, 28 October 1935, Page 5

DENIAL OF CHARGES

UNEMPLOYMENT ADMINISTRATION. NO EVIDENCE OF IRREGULARITIES. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Oct. 25. Denial of any irregularities in the administration of unemployment was mades in a statement in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon by the Minister of Employment, the Hon. S. G. Smith, in reply to certain charges and inferences made in the past.

“Periodically in /the past charges and inferences of maladministration in connection with the relief of the unemployment situation come under my notice,” the Minister said. “Needless to say prompt inquiries were made in each case where even a shred of definite information was available, and the result invariably was to show that the charge or inference had no foundation in fact. With the knowledge that inspectors were to be appointed I preferred to await the results of their operations before making any public general refutation. “The inspectors have now minutely examined the complete operations of no fewer than 61 employment bureaux, covering secondary towns and small centres, while in addition they have regold prospecting schemes in the South Island and conducted fifteen special investigations. “The official report submitted to the board definitely establishes that in none of these examinations has any fraud, grave mistake or culpable carelessness on the part of any Government employee been revealed, nor has there been any discrepancy in accounting for boots blankets or rations. “This confirmation of my own confidence in the administration of unemployment gives me extreme pleasure and will, ‘it is hoped, dispose of any doubt which may have been created in the minds, of taxpayers by certain statements whicn may come under their notice.”