UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I am writing to you, knowing that your journal often gives a sympathetic hearing to matters which appear socially unjust.
A member of my congregation, a first-class workman, has the misfortune to be disabled with arthritis. He is capable of doing light work, but unfortunately no such work is obtain- able. For some time he was in receipt of the Unemployment benefit. He has, however, been sent to a well-known hospital for treatment. As soon as he was sent away the unemployment benefit formerly paid to himself and his wife was stopped. His wife is therefore left penniless, although she must continue to pay rent, gas and food bills. The Employment Exchange suggest trying the " parish " for relief, which is a cruel blow to anyone's proper pride. As there are probably hundreds of women in very similar circumstances, I would like to bring this more into the open. It seems to be a matter which should be gone into and may call for legislation.
The nature of this letter naturally suggests I should not reveal my own name ; therefore I sign myself—
PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER.
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