HELP THE HELPLESS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 6, 9 January 1899, Page 2

HELP THE HELPLESS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Mr Wilding's appeal for financial help to the Society for the Protection of Women and Children and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will, I trust, receive a hearty response. Having been a subscribing member since the formation of the Society. I would like to supplement your appeal of Saturday.

Few of the pubbc realise how much we are indebted to Mr Wilding and Miss Porter and others who have worked with lhem, for the time and attention they have given to this Society since its formation, and the boon this Society is.

The record of useful work reported in Mr Wilding's letter of the 6th inst., and referred to in your comments of the 7th, is of an exceedingly practical character. What it means to deserted wives and unmarried women is far more than the mere £ s d; it means the lightening of a burden, and justice being meted to selfish men wbo would shirk the responsibility of fatherhood. It seems strange that a Society so cosmopolitan should . receive such meagre support; but now the facts are known it will be discreditable if financial help is not immediately forthcoming. Unless mora] obligation sits lightly upon the community there is 3-bundant evidence that spare cash is plentiful. No doubt something like 40 or 50 thousand pounds have been spent in pleasure of various kinds during the past month; as many shillings sent along to the Society would be practical help, and appreciation of the good work being done. Like the English parent Society, founded by the Rev. Benjamin Wau»h the deterrent effect of this Society is far reaching. At a common lodginghouse, in a town not far from London, it was said that the tramps out of Kent were now coming round by Croydon; on enquiring 'Why?' the answer was that 'a, man's children couldn't have the belly-ache in London now without the father being sent to prison.'

A constable, when visiting his starved girl in the hospital was informed that the child's depositions had been taken and that he would be prosecuted. 'Who by?' he asked. 'The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children,' was the reply The man exclaimed, Good God; I'm done for!'

! In addressing a meeting- m Birmmg- | ham Mr Waugh said, referring to the ! wrongs of children, T :iear you mur- ! mur "The police. It is the work of the ! police to do that." It Js not- their ' work to discover these evils and prosecute- But were it so when you stand before the judgment throne of Him ! whose will, Jesus says, is that not ; one little one should either suffer from ■ hunger, or nakedness, or be sick and ■ perish, will you dare to tell Him that j you knew "that that was His will, but ; that you left it to the police." I trust i the appeal will result in a large and l permanent increase of REGULAR SUBSCRIBERS.