JUBILEE BENEVOLENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 143, 18 June 1887, Page 4

JUBILEE BENEVOLENCE.

We are not of those who delight in wet-blanketing all rejoicings by typocritical exclamations that the money spent in having " a good time " would have been better bestowed upon the poor. The illuminations and other symbols of rejoicing which are being set on foot in connection with Tuesday's Jubilee celebration involve a considerable local expenditure in the employment of labour, and though in one sense they may appear useless extravagances, the money goes round and gets into hands that need it. The expenditure does good, and helps to make the holiday one which all classes can keep with a cheery heart. At the same time, when people are spending money with more than wonted freedom upon luxuries, it is right that the less fortunate among their fellow-creatures should become the objects of kindly thought and help. For this reason, as well as for the genuine goodness of the cause itself, we commend to our readers the appeal made by Mr J. T. Boynton and Mr Duncan McPherson through our columns last night. These gentlemen are no novices in this work. Last year, the " Outdoor Belief Depot" with which they were associated relieved some 400 or more bona fide cases of distress which were recommended by known Christian workers. The following letter which came to-day to Mr Duncan McPhersori, Presbyterian City. Missionary, shows the class of case on whose behalf he wishes to enlist public sympathy just now :

"Sir,—Having seen your letter in last night's issue of the Stak re help for the poor, I am sorry to say Icomeunderthatheading. I am out of work for some considerable time, and I have tried my utmost to get some, but to no avail —I see no chance of any. I have a wife and child utterly unprovided for. My wife has earned a few shillings lately ; just enough to keep us from starving. Both her and myself would be glad of any work or any assistance you could offer us." . •. i . •

All cases are carefully investigated before relief is granted. Several subcriptions have already come in, and Mr Boynton will be glad to receive and acknowledge others, however small their amount, from sympathisers with the good cause.