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Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1932, Page 4

Tu'k demonstrations bv the unemployed in Dunedin, and the threats of like action elsewhere can do their cause but little good. It must be admitted Dunedin has the reputation of being a philanthropic city, and the authorities would be exerting themselves to do all they could tor there in distress. The recipients of relief it appears demanded their own methods of administration which it appeared had been abused in the past. However, extreme action there or elsewhere is not going to lead to any happy issue or the unemployment- problem. The Government and the local bodies are exerting their fullest efforts in the matter, and everything possible is being done. New Zealand is handling the matter far more generously tUan other countries), but there is an element in the community bent on creating disturbances and delaying the costive action proposed. No doubt many of the genuine unemployed resent the tactics of the extreme comrades for the time being. Such acts as at Dunedin disgust public feeling. Last week there was a magnificent response in Christchurch to the- appeal for funds for relief, but if it were felt these extreme actions are to he taken, and riotous scenes fetiaeted, the public will not be so lib* oral in the future. The conditions creating unemployment are well understood by liicivt people, and their cause is not going to be removed very ijpeedily. While everything ' possible* is being done to cope with the question, there must be patience on the part of those affected, and helpful assistance given, and not defiant action taken. A correspondent wrote us thfvs week a letter of complaint about his work. That cannot help him because his identity is not disclosed. But if he aml any others with a grievance would state their case to the local body concerned, the l>e ; t would he done. Funds are very restricted, and each week the money has to he rationed out- over the whole district. Ate far as can he gathered the best Li being done with the relief money, and where exceptional cases arise, the men should make their position known, for all concerned are doing the best to meet an unfortunate position, with the greatest possible consideration fur all.