£l00,000 RAISED HERE FOR UNEMPLOYED RELIEF

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19108, 28 June 1930, Page 1

£loo,ooo RAISED HERE FOR UNEMPLOYED RELIEF

MR D. G. SULLIVAN, M.P., DEFENDS CHRISTCHURCH

(Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, June 28. The responsibility of cities for assisting in unemployment relief was referred -to by the Prime Minister in the House this morning. Mr Forbes pointed out that the population of a city enhanced its value and that therefore it must take its share in providing work for those seeking it. It was not right to place the entire responsibility on the Government. Mr Forbes added that the Cabinet Unemployment Committee had its programme mapped out, which should help to relieve the position in different centres, while a Bill incorporating the Government’s proposals would be introduced at an early date. The relief of unemployment was one of the biggest problems facing civilisation and it was the aim of the Government to try to put the position in New Zealand on a satisfactory footing. By initiating these proposals something would be accomplished and, as time went on, any amendment found to be necessary would be made.

“ I hope you make a good job of it,” interjected Mr P. Fraser (Wellington Central).

Replying to a suggestion by the Prime Minister that Wellington City

had done more | tfran other centres | in raising loan I moneys for that I purpose, Mr D. G. I Sullivan (Avon) deI dared that ChristI church City CounI cil had done its I share. It had raised I loans on the terms I laid down by the I Government and it ■ had provided

money out of reve l. nue. Furthermore

subscriptions had been made by the citizens themselves and altogether over £IOO,OOO had been provided. The people who paid were not merely the wealthy section, but comprised a large number of working people of moderate means. He felt that the Prime Minister had not extended much encouragement by his statements.

Rplying, Mr Forbes said that he had not wished to reflect on what had been done by Christchurch. He. had merely pointed out that Wellington had taken more advantage of the authorities for borrowing for unemployment relief, than had other centres.