ABUSE OF RELIEF

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 374, 4 March 1937, Page 5

ABUSE OF RELIEF

Statement Issued By Minister

Of Labour.

The folioV;'nig statement was issued by ,the Hon. Minister of Labour today:—

“I am particularly perturbed at the frequent representations received by me from reputable citizens indivividually, and from units of social and welfare organisations of recognised Handing, regarding the manner in which, in some cases, money® provided from the Employment Promotion Fund for relief purposes are being misapplied, or, in plain words, squandered in the pure hate of intoxicating liqours. "Without wishing to infer anything derogatory to our Maori peoples, for whom I have the utmost respect, the position to which I make reference is unfortunately most noticeable in ‘ome districts, where the proportion of Maori population is fairly high. *‘l am satisfied that some definite action should be taken to discourage the wasteful expenditure of moneys provided from a fund created am, maintained with the fundamental object of relieving immediate distress conequent upon inability to secure employment.

In future, therefore, steos will be taken to deny relief assistance to Maori and pakeha alike where there is reliable evidence tnat the recipient thereof & extending same instead of applying the moneys to the purpose for Which they are granted, namely the proper maintenance of himself and/or wife and dependants.”

“Where suspension of relief is decided upon, the applicants will, however, have the right to represent their case to the head office of the Department of Labour, when each case will be decided on its merits and appropriate action taken that will ensure that any relief granted will be spent in a proper manner.”