RELIEF SYSTEM

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19940, 26 October 1934, Page 14

RELIEF SYSTEM

SOCIETY OPPOSES CHANGE

SUGGESTION REJECTED A suggestion that it might be advisable to reduce the variety of articles made available to recipients of relief was rejected by the Management Committee of the Timaru Central Relief Society last night, and its present policy was re-affirmed. A sub-committee, of which Mr R. W. Simpson was chairman, reported that-, after giving the suggestion careful consideration, it had come to the conclusion that the time was not opportune for taking such a step, as the number of registered unemployed in the Timaru area was larger than ever, namely 810, and their needs were at least as great as ever. “Though our system of supplying goods from the depot may appear unfair to the struggling small shopkeeper,” stated the report, “it appears to us that, being in the position of trustees, it is incumbent upon us to give the maximum assistance to those in need. Recognising that the money we have in hand and in sight is insufficient to give assistance on the same scale as in recent months, steps have been taken to reduce expenditure of the funds of the Society by increasing the price of goods supplied, and also by reducing the quantities through a system of rationing. Funds for Seven Months “As a result, we estimate that the net cost to the Society during October will be reduced to £287, and we are of opinion that by reviewing the position and circumstances of the recipients from time to time, still further reductions may be made, and that our available funds will see us through until the end of next April. Information has been compiled showing the quantities of various goods sold to the unemployed by this Society during the month of September, giving the cost of same, the price paid by the recipients according to the new scale of prices now in operation, the net cost to the Society, and what it would have cost the recipients if they had purchased such goods at ordinary retail prices. Assuming that similar quantities are sold during the present month as in September, as may be expected, the cost to the unemployed will be £798 15s Bd, for which they would have to pay £1321 4s 7d at ordinary retail prices; the cost to the Society would be £lO4l. the net cost as stated above being £287. Interests of Unemployed. “It is interesting to note that of our estimated expenditure of £lO4l for the month of October—bread, butter, sugar tea, oatmeal, flour, meat, coal, wood, and potatoes—account for £996 9s 7d. These certainly are simple necessities. Sago. rice, syrup and boot repairing account for the balance of £44 10s Bd. We fully recognise that the policy of the Society must be decided by the Management Committee, but we must point out that should any goods at present supplied be struck off the list, it will necessitate those we are at present serving having to pay anything from 50 per cent, to 100 per cent, extra for such goods, and even more in a few cases. For the reasons given, we have no hesitation in recommending the continuance of our present system as being in the best interests of the unemployed, for whose benefit the Society was formed.” After a brief discussion in committee, the report was adopted.