THOUGHTS FOR THE TIMES

Hokitika Guardian, 31 July 1930, Page 4

THOUGHTS FOR THE TIMES

SUSTENANCE AND STARVATION

When Blr R. A. Wright said in the House * that lie would oppose the , sustenance clause in the Unemployment Bill, because it would destroy the spirit of independence in the working man, lie spoke sincerely and .for. a ..considerable,, section of the people. Every such, measure of relief induces such fear, and it is not a sentiment to be des- i_, pised. Hut the reply to the objection obvious. As Blr Sullivan, a member .of the Labour Party, .said,, there is - nothing more likely to sap the, independence of the worker than tnubility to get work. Or as a body'puts it that inquired into the working of, the f so-called English “dole,” unemploy- > ment allowances may be demoralising, but they are not so demoralising as starvation. No one really suggests that men out of employment should be allowed to starve, but if the State does not provide a statutory for them, , then charitable aid boards or • private charity must step in, and,; as Blr Sullivan went on to say, the acceptance of this kind of charity may break down the spirit of independence. We are already spending a great deal of money on relief, and the question is whether our system is as efficient as it; might be. Auckland Star.