Destitution and Relief Wages

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7277, 3 October 1933, Page 8

Destitution and Relief Wages

NEW PROBLEM FOR COURT Under tho Destitute Persons Act, an applicant seeking financial helf from a near relative through the Court, must actually he destitute. An old age pensioner, for instance, could not supplement his income by a claim against a near relative by means of the Act. The Court would not allow it because as the receiver of a pension, though perhaps not sufficient for his means, ho is not 'destitute.

But what is the position when help is given under the Unemployment Act? This question was raised in the Palmerston North Magistrate’s Court yesterday before Mr J. L. Stout, S.M.

Mr J. W. Rutherfurd submitted that the position was the same as with the oil age pensioner, but his Worship was not so sure and granted an adjournment to enable counsel to look into the question.

Mr Ongley submitted that the position was very different from that of tho old age pensioner. The pension gave each person 15s, whereas in the case before the Court, the income from the Unemployment Scheme was down to ss.

Mr Ruthcrfurd contended that Mr Ongley was wrong in his figures. Tho petitioner and her husband were getting 35s relief, whereas had they been old age pensioners they would only be getting 30s. The Magistrate thought counsel had hotter consult with the Labour Department and an adjournment for 14 days was agreed upon.