Self Help

Te Puke Times, 6 January 1931, Page 3

Self Help

A Remarkable Existence

UNEMPLOYED SHOW THE WAY It has been said that adversity very often brings out" the best in any man. This is certainly the case with the unemployed in the suburb of Collingwood. Melbourne where lack of work and empty cupboards have not broken the spirit of the people. Instead, they have banded together and evolved a scheme of community self help which is remarkable for the length to which it goes. In the suburb there are 1115 unemployed, and the efficient organisation of a number of committees — the ranks include accountants, engineers, and even dentists — has made possible the regular distribution of food, clothing and other necessities. Actually there exists an ideal socialistic state, in which each helps the . other to survive, and every man is the equal of every other man. Besides the single men who are protected by the organisation there are 900 families who are fel every day and, if need be, clothed—enough people to populate a good sized town. Lists are kept setting out the extent of relief received by every man. For instance, when there is meat to be distributed, the list is examined. Those whose turn it is to receive meat rations are given a supply, and then their names are removed to the bottom of the list. It is the same with groceries. All share and share alike, and there are Very strict rules. One day lastfweek a man complained' that he bad not been justly treated. The books were examined and it was found that his complaint was not justified. In fact, the complaint was regarded as frivolous, and the man’s name was removed altogether. The first turns for food and work are decided by ballot, and thereafter a regular rota is maintained.

Every now again * there is an issue of relief money for some special object. When money is made available for boot repairing men are selected to go to the factory and drive hard bargains for scrap leather. The boots are repaired by the unemployed bootmakers among the ranks of those who comprise the new “state.” Eight men are engaged in this task, and there are a similar number who shave {and out the hair of their comrades. The spirit of self help seems to have appealed to the imagination of the people of Collingwood, and they have contributed regularly to the unemployed in their midst. The workers in one factory hold a pound day once a weok, and the proceeds are given to the committee of the unemployed. Others subscribe regularly to the unemployed fund, and . the money is spent by a committee of the unemployed, under the supervision of the Mayor. * Every now and again men are sent into the country districts “ to canvas for foodstuffs, and they have met with wonderful, success in the form of gifts of farm produce. The unemployed have even formed a football team, and have issued a challenge to play any other team, providing the proceeds are .devoted to the relief of distress in Collingwood. One master baker has allowed the use of his plant at regular intervals for the baking of bread, the flour being purchased by his own employees. A jam manufacturer has permitted the making of jam on his premises from fruit that has been given to the unemployed. The ways of Collingwood in Its adversity have won for it high praise.