AN APPEAL TO CHARITY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 84, 10 April 1933, Page 6

AN APPEAL TO CHARITY.

Winter presses with particular hardship on the poor, and the appeal of the GovernorGeneral and the Lady Bledisloe for a Avinter relief fund is therefore both needful and timely. His Excellency has recognised that public measures of relief cannot entirely meet all cases of adversity, and that these must be supplemented by private effort. There are many who could contribute gifts in kind when they could not give money, and they are asked to contribute anything suitable as they may feel disposed and as they are able. The appeal affords another instance of the interest their Excellencies have always shown in the welfare of all classes in the Dominion. They recognise that times of stress afford opportunity for the exercise of the spirit of the Good Samaritan and of that charity which is the crown of Christian virtues. The sympathy shown in deeds of active kindness is not only a help to the recipient, but also a real blessing to the giver. Taxation has reached its limit; public measures of relief can hardly be further expanded without imposing an almost intolerable burden on the taxpayer. But there is no limit to private benevolence, exercised not grudgingly or of 'necessity, except such limit as may be imposed by the means of the giver. Recently . Christchurch i raised £2000 in one day, thereby furnishing an excellent example of self-help. The present appeal comes from Wellington, out we presume that a considerable measure of decentralisation will be adopted. Existing machinery is to be „used for distributing gifts. There are many citizens who will be all the more disposed to give if they are assured that their money or their goods will be distributed in their own districts. A liberal response to their Excellencies' appeal will not only show that the traditional generosity of our people has been quickened rather than dulled by adverse days, but it will be a welcome proof to those in distress that their mo'/e prosperous brethren are anxious to share their burden.