RATIONS ISSUED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 210, 17 June 1933, Page 6

RATIONS ISSUED

156 FAMILIES ASSISTED.

ANOTHER BUSY MORNING.

MEAT, VEGETABLES AND JAM. No fewer than 156 families in Ashburton who are in distress through inability of the breadwinner to obtain employment, were given issues of food at the Hospital Board's depot this morning, when 'the chairman of. the Board (Mr \V. C. Gallagher), the secretary (Mr A. Pi-entice) and three members of the staff were kept busy for nearly two hours wrapping up parcels of meat and vegetables and handing them out to approved applicants. A. large room has been set aside for the storage of supplies of meat, which are drawn from the freezing works each Friday, and the vegetables, jam and other goods donated by residents of the Borough and County, and when it is realised that the parcels of meat average about 151 bs in weight, it can be imagined how much space is taken up. The Hospital Board officials have worked out a system of distribution based on the size of the families that receive assistance. It has been decided to reduce the time of issue from 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.

The meat given out this morning consisted of beef and mutton, and 36 families (the largest of those dealt with) also aeceived a rabbit. This was the first time rabbits have been issued, and the supply was drawn from the first of the weekly consignments that will come to hand from Mr J. Byrom, of Ealing, who has offered to send a case of rabbits each week. The carcases are dressed, ready for cooking. Wherever necessary, 201bs of potatoes, a few carrots and swedes, with now and again parsnips and onions, and an occasional pot of jam are also given, and the assistance is in most cases appreciated.

An Unpleasant Incident. Now and then an applicant is encountered who does not appreciate what is being done for Ins family. One of these men was responsible for an unfortunate incident this morning. When; he .arrived at the depot he. said: "Give me two bags of potatoes." The officials in charge looked at him to see if lie was serious and it was apparent that he meant what he said. "We give only one bag at a time," said Mr Gallagher. "Is that all?" said the man m sneering tones. Mr Gallagher replied that he thought the man was doing very well, as things turned out. "Do you think so?" again sneered the man. A huge parcel of meat was handed to him (he had already received a sugar bag containing vegetables) and Mr Prentice handed to him another parcel, saying: "Would you care for a rabbit?" "No," said the man, as he turned away. "We don't keep cats!" It is interesting to note that a short while after the incident noted above, one of the m n's children called on, the secretary of the Hospital Board asking for an order for bread, sugar, tea # and butter, as there were none of these things in their home. The child, who was (sent by its mother, related that the father had not earned anything this week. Investigation was made, and it was found that the man to-day received payment of 28s 6d from a local body for work done. Incidentally, the hospital officials ascertained that the man's children relish rabbits as food. In contrast, a small boy who called for bis family's rations, presented a note from his mother, who, among other things, said:

"Thank you very much, for your valuable help. Wo are very grateful indeed for it." 'Hiis letter represents tho attitude of 99 per cent of the people assisted. They realise how the better-placed residents of Ashburtou are aiding them through their lean days.