DOLE IN BRITAIN.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18346, 4 June 1931, Page 9

DOLE IN BRITAIN.

WIVES’ ABUSE.

The abuse of the dole by married women was referred to by a witness giving evidence before the Royal Commission on Unemployment Insurance in London, says an English paper. Mr John G. Hendry, secretary of the Scottish Council of Textile Trade Unions, said he believed many wives took advantage of the present lack of employment to register, though they were not in a position to accept employment if it were offered to them. He suggested that every woman who left her employment to get married should be held to have “abandoned” employment and should be required lo re-establish her position as a worker before being allowed to draw benefit. Bailie James Falconer, chairman of the Public Assistance Committee of Banffshire, said there were stokers and engineers in Hie fishing industry who worked for only six months, contributing 15s 2d to Hie insurance fund, and then drew about £33 from the fund for Hie following six months. 'Dio Banff fishing season had diminished from 30 to 20 weeks owing lo these people being eligible for insurance, and would lie slill shorter Ibis year. The boats used to go out lo winter fishing, but now they did not go out at ali.