UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18878, 23 February 1933, Page 10

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF.

HAMILTON ALLOCATIONS. NO INCREASE POSSIBLE. In reply to a renewed protest by the Hamilton Borough Council the Minister of Employment, through the Unemployment Commissioner (Mr G. C. Godfrey), has stated that it is not practicable, with present resources, to grant any fuller allocations for relief purposes in Hamilton. Mr Godfrey said the Hamilton allocation was in line with those granted to ail secondary centres in the Dominion, and the sums allocated were the maximum that could be granted with available funds, which were being distributed to the fullest extent possible. The scale of relief granted in Hamilton was the highest which operated outside the metropolitan areas, and no reduction had been effected in the allocations since November. He pointed out that the current allocations to Hamilton provided approximately 22s per head of eligible unemployed per week, whereas this time last year the rate per head was 17s.

“I regret to move that this letter be received,” said the Mayor (Dr. F. D. Pinfold), when the matter came before the council last evening. “The council is not in a position to do anything today. People are finding difficulty in paying their rates. “I am hoping that in the very near future the Commissioner of Unemployment will be able to find some more money.” The letter was received.