A COMPLAINT.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 583, 11 August 1909, Page 5

A COMPLAINT.

'Writing from the "Wellington Trades' Hall, Sir. A. 15. White .brought to'the notice .of. the Board of Trustees -of the ; Wellington Benevolent Institution certain matters which, it was contended, indicated a' tendency' to exploit, the funds of the institution. Three plasterers ' (named)' were cited as instances. .On Ju1y.;26, : "A" oommenced work. On August 6 he received his pay for the preceding fortnight (the Government pays fortnightly).'' .On August 3 ho applied for, and was vgranted, a- week's charitable relief by the ■ Benevolent Trustees. "B" started on the. same contract on July 29, and drew wages on August 6. On August 3 he also applied /for,' and was granted, a week's relief by the Benevolont Trustees. "C" started at the Parliamentary Buildings on 'August 7. His pay-day would- not arrive until August 20. Heiwas granted two weeks' relief' by the: trustees. Plasterers; are' paid 12s.'-Bd. per day, or £3 12s. weekly. For nineteen months previous" to March 1907, "B" was earning from £4 4s. to £5 ss. and the . writer' failed, to understand his poverty. writer added that he did not see-why men like theso should be granted charitable relief, whilo.more necessitous oases were calling for attention. ' The Eev. W. A: Evans said that the board ought to, feel .indebted to the writer. Trades Union secretaries ought to be encouraged to keep in touch with the board in this connection. The secretary was instructed to thank Mr. White for his information.