Page 24 - Keeping the Peace

1930s: the great depression and ‘susso’ applications
The 1930s saw a period of tightened economic conditions due to the collapse of the world economy in 1929. In Victoria, financial relief for the unemployed (known as sustenance or ‘susso’) was provided with the aid of a JP who could witness applications from people who wished to apply. They also gave advice about what assets to declare and how to maximise their entitlements. As early as 1931, 150 cases of fraudulent applications had been discovered with the same number of pending investigations.32 For example, Mr Percy Hodge of Tecoma was charged with having wilfully made a false declaration of his income because he did not include in his application income from sale of poultry and income from a tea-room. He said he was told by a JP that this was not necessary and the conviction was set aside.33
In another case, a blacksmith from Fitzroy named Mr John Cairns signed his application before a JP as a married man. It was later found that he was merely ‘associated’ with a woman rather than legally married. He was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment for the crime of having imposed himself on the Fitzroy Unemployed Relief Committee by a false representation with a view to obtaining a benefit.34
JPs also heard cases relating to incapacity to pay fines. Mr Harold Rudd, unemployed of Burwood, was called upon by Mr Sneddon, JP at the Box Hill Court of Petty Sessions to explain why a fine had not been paid. The fine was incurred for allowing a cow to wander. “I am a married man with five children to feed. Where am I to get the money from to pay this fine?” asked the defendant. Mr Sneddon gave him 14 days in which to pay the fine or else be liable for a prison sentence.35
‘Smoke social’, the JP, June 1937. The HJs Association of Victoria often held social events for its members. The Secretary of the Crown Law Department and Mayors were in attendance. The ‘Justice of the Peace’, 10 June 1937.
32 33 34 35
The Argus, 23 October 1931, p. 11. The Argus, 13 June 1935, p. 6. The Argus, 13 January 1933, p. 11. The Herald, 30 August 1930.