“PENALTY ON THRIFT”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 20 July 1929, Page 7

“PENALTY ON THRIFT”

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF MEASURES CHRISTCHURCH COMPLAINT (By Telegraph—Special to “The Mai)”) CHRISTCHURCH, 19th July. “The Central Committee for earthquake relief is going about the distribution of relief on a charitable, aid basis, placing a penalty on thrift,” Councillor M. E. Lyons told a reporter on his return from the West, Coast. He made a tour of the earthquake and flood areas on behalf of tho Christchurch City Council. “Judging by the procedure/ set for local committees by the Central Committee it appears likely that the man who has been, thrifty is to be penalised because lie will have to bear the cost of restoration himself, while the man who has not been so frugal will receive assistance from the Government,” said Councillor Lyons. Personally, his view, after he had seen the country and interviewed hundreds of the people, was that the restoration work was a national work and should he borne nationally. “Nothing hut a grant of £250,000 by the Government in addition to voluntary subscriptions will he of any material assistance in restoring I lie. people anywhere near their status (pin,” lie said. The total fund of about one third of a million pounds will have to be administered very prudentlv in re-establish the district.’’

Mr Lyons made it clear that Ibis money was to be used for the help of the. people, and not for the rebuilding of roads, etc., which should he done from a separate fund.