THE LIBERAL TOUCH

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 884, 30 January 1930, Page 10

THE LIBERAL TOUCH

BARELY three months ago, after five weeks of feverish departmental activity, the Government wished it to be understood that the skeleton of unemployment had been swept from New Zealand’s cupboard. This bland complacency following ia theatrical gesture convinced not even the strongest supporters of Sir Joseph Ward and his party. Time has shown that, at best, the effort produced but a temporary remedy. Since November there has been a conspicuous absence of any strong desire on the part of Cabinet Ministers to discuss the problem, hut the silence has been broken by the Hon. W. B. Taverner. He lias issued the munificent promise that school hooks are to be provided, free of charge, for the children of the unemployed and, in so doing, makes the tacit admission that, once again, the skeleton is rattling behind the cupboard door. Nevertheless the Government’s decision could be accepted and appreciated as a thoughtful and generous move—were it a new one. Unfortunately the knowledge that this kindly provision for unemployed workers has been made annually and was made long before the United Party was ever thought of. rather robs the announcement of that spectacular effect beloved of politicians. The Auckland Education Board asserts frankly that the practice of supplying school books to the children of parents in straitened circumstances has been in vogue ever since Seddon made it a part of the Education Department’s policy! Headmasters in Auckland and—as far as Auckland officials are aware - —in all other parts of New Zealand, make a point of: listing, each year, the names of parents who are unable to buy school books. These lists are passed on to their controlling boards which, in turn, apply to the department for grants to cover the cost of free distribution. The fact that Mr. Taverner’s “promise” is made public at a time coincident with the receipt of last year’s unusually heavy grant for Auckland, adds to the absurdity of the situation. It is possible that, in dealing with a subject entirely foreign to his departmental fields, the Minister of Railways may have misinterpreted the Government’s plans. There is room for increased departmental assistance to parents, particularly those of secondary school pupils and, if this be forthcoming, it will be met with immediate approval. In the meantime, however, Mr. Taverner lias succeeded merely in stressing the fact that unemployment continues despite the magic passes of a political wand and the subsequent spate of relief expenditure.