OUR CHARITY SYSTEM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 141, 12 June 1908, Page 2

OUR CHARITY SYSTEM.

DOES IT PAUPERISE? DISCUSSION AT THE HOSPITAL CONFERENCE. . DR. vallnxinkl-akes A FIRM STAND. Per Press Association, IV „,. ( . Wlin i>tM', tet Night. iJT. \ ahntine maile another proHounceineiit at the Hospital Conference with reference to 'the question of subsidles to Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards. He said he was sorry he mid noting delink, to put before Hi: ha< 1 honed U have made some ailtl.or.tat.ve statement on the subject, but at present he was not in a po a tioa whST. Hc , woulllM 't''e"* frankly what he hoped to accomplish. This was the reduction absolutely 01 any subsidy on outdoor i*l,ef. Speaking generally, lie did not see the need of making any reduction on hospitals which for the most part, were well administered and there was little suggestion of undue extravagance. Such was not the case m regard to charitable institutions, some of winch were providing appliances and comforts which were rather in excess of what was absolutely required for invalids. He maintained, with regard, to outdoor relief, that institutions were putting recipients in a far better position with regard to the comforts of life than, the struggling lalwrcr. It was the struggling man who had to pay towards the keep of these people, who were placed in better circumstances and conditions than himself ' and family. Ho wished lie had mow eloquence to denounce the system of outdoor relief and the .indiscriminate way in which it was gfven. He quoted an extract by Judge Asheroft from his review of (lie English poor-law system; He thought they had a lot to learn from Ft. He felt quit* strongly on this, ami said he was certain that no sub- > shintial reduction in the cost of outside - lehef would be made until the Government subsidy was withheld, "it is in that direction that I shall move and use mil'efforts as long as 1 hold my present position," declared the speaker. One de.egate pointed out that there was no distinction in the Bill between hospital and chamtablc aid. Mr A. Win said lie was afraid that it the suggestion was carried out it would not do much good. Instead of making a reduction it would result in increased cost. A number of outdoor recipients of relief received 2s 6d and 3s per week under the present system. » these grants were abolished* these people would have to go into the homes, and it would cost the ratepayers a good deal more to keep them there. "1 he chaiiunan, in replying to a ques-' tion said ins proposals would not affect the homes. Mr. Bagna.ll: If you do not, you will be on the wrong track. The chairman: If there is no alternative but going .to the homes they would make a big struggle to keep themselves. Delegates unanimously dissented from tins view.

• Mr. Bagnall remarked that the Government should undertake the maintenance of children who were committed to nn industrial school. The commitments were made without reference to the boards, yet they liad to contribute 7a «d per week towards the children's upkeep until they were fifteen years of age. Mr. Kirk agreed with tliis. view, and remarked that last year contributions by the Wellington Trustees in this connection amounted to £2200. Charitable aid must be cut down.

A long discussion ensued over the matter, most) of the speakers beTnjr against itlnS> reducing of the subsidy. Canon Jordan, i n condemning the mpposal, said if subsidies were reduced it would bring about in New Zealand the present curse of Ireland, tffie abominable 'workhouse system, and he hoped he would never live to sec the day when this was brought about. Eventually, on the motion of Mr. Bcllnnger, iti was 'decided to recommend that the Government subsidy remain as at present. Dr. Valintinc: I haven't done with it yet! r

Mr. Morris moved, "That; tliis meeting considers that if the Government reduces the subsidy on outdoor relief they should take over" the cost of maintenance of all children committed to industrial schools.—After discussion this motion was withdrawn.

Dr. Valinline said it seemed to hiui that lie was playing a lone hand, but ho was not quite the heartless person some of the delegates would have them to. believe. It was impossible to tell them the whole of his scheme. Nothing was more infectious than pauperism. At the present time in New Zealand they, Viul paupers of the third generation. The sooner children were relieved from the environment of pauperism the more likely they were to become dutiful citizens of the State.