DISTRESS IN THE NORTH.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 213, 8 September 1926, Page 8

DISTRESS IN THE NORTH.

SCHOOLMASTER'S THANKS. PRAISE FOR MR. PRIESTLEY. In view of the conflicting statements of the position on the northern gum lande, the following extract from a schoolmaster's letter should prove of interest. The letter is addressed to the Rev. Jasper Calder, treasurer of the relief fund: "From one and all present great appreciation of the kind response to our inspector's appeal wae expressed. The clothing and groceries arrived in good order and were duly distributed by the sewing mistress of the school and three lady helpers. To-day the children appeared with smiling faces, and were just as happy as if Father Christmas had visited them. To see them in their warm coats and boots made the school look more like' a school. I think the parents will never forget Inspector Priestley. The cash, which reached you too late to buy groceries, I handed to a hard-pressed settler, whose family have had a hard time. lam sure lie will make pood. To see his face when he received the money would have been ample reward to the generous donors who have stood by the settlers in their darkest hour. Our local school manager states that it would be a wonderful comfort if any surplus funds could be handed to us in cash to aid emergency oases without, of course, curtailing thp needs of the city." The Rev. Jasper Calder is still handling any moneys received.