COST OF LIVING

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 124, 27 May 1937, Page 11

COST OF LIVING

DUNEDIN CRITICISM

U.W<M. DISCLAIMER

Dunedin criticism of the Government on the grounds that it had failed to fulfil its election promises and was indifferent to the rising cost of living was made not by the Unemployed Workers' Movement but. by a smaller body known as the South Dunedin Unemployed Association, said Mr. Mark Silverstone, president of the Dunedin branch' of the National Unemployed AVorkcrs' Movement, to "The Post" today.

Hs referred to the Dunedin message 'in yesterday's "Post," which was as follows:— ■• •. ■ .

"Strong criticism of the Government on. the grounds that it had failed to I fulfil its election ■ promises, particuI larly to the unemployed,. was made by speakers, at a public meeting convened by the South Dunedin branch of the Unemployed Workers' Movement. There was a fairly large ati tendance, and although some extremely harsh things were said about the Government, assurances were later- given that the meeting was not in any way antagonistic to the Labour. Government, and an expression of loyalty was included in the following motion, which was carried unanimously:—'That this mass meeting of- workers, while having confidence in the Labour Government,- strongly protests against its failure to provide adequate means- of livelihood for. the unemployed, and against its indifference r to the rising cost of living, more especially with respect to the necessaries of life. The meeting calls on the Government to provide an adequate income for all employed and unemployed workers, and to place them in such employment as will enable them to receive a ..satisfactory income. Failing this, the meeting asks that the Government should provide- an .adequate income until work is found.'" , '

"The report, describing the organisation responsible for the- meeting held in the South Dunedin Town Hall to deal with the .rising cost of living as a branch of the Unemployed Workers' Movement is not in accordance with fact," said Mr. Silverstone. "This body is known as the South-Dunedin Unemployed Association and has no connection. whatever with the National Unemployed Workers' Movement, which stands stolidly behind the- Government and gives it unqualified .support. The N.U.W.M. is not 'responsible in any way for the views expressed by the South Dunedin Unemployed Association relative to the Government. This body exists for the express purpose of relieving distress amongst its members and not to deal with questions of a national character." : ; ' ' ■■ •