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Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 300, 20 December 1938, Page 18

these men to be overlooked. This morning. the Rev. G. E. Moreton, secretary to the society, and Mrs. Moreton were ankle-deep in a heterogeneous collection of presents—clothing, books, boots and shoes, provisions and all those things that people require both for apparel and nourishment —destined for the women and kiddies and for the inmates of various prisons. All this week the "D.P.A. people" — they are more familiarly known under this title—will be kept busy making up parcels of Christmas cheer. The books, of course, will be sent to the prisons. A huge pile of "National Geographic Magazines" will lie divided between Auckland and Waikeria. and the collection of books for the two institutions will cover subject* as far apart as Chopin and algebra, touching on most subjects between, and catering for all tastes in the educational line.

Heavy Drain on Resources. The D.P.A. is now in the midst of a Christmas appeal. Though money and donations of goods are coming in well, more are required for a work that is often overlooked, and with about ~>o families—and some of tliein of the oldfashioned size—to attend to before Friday there will be a heavy drain on the available supplies. Running a society for prisoners and their dependents is a full-time office job and the amount of book-keeping necessary startles the uninitiated. So much care is necessary to keep a careful account of all monies spent and ail goods sent out. Any application for assistance can be checked in a few moments to see if any person is getting more than his or her fair share and thereby depriving other deserving cases of assistance. The cases dealt with by the society cover I not only men in gaol, and their wives and children, but also men on probation. Entries in the books show that money is disbursed for such items as rent, mending false teeth, supplying coal, boots or butter, or "standing the fare" for a man who has to go to a job in the country. In addition. Mr. Moreton is lwnker, adviser, repository of confidences and general director of the welfare of all those who come under the notice of the society. He knows the shifts to which they are put to raise cash at times and he adopts a tolerant view towards those who have l>een obliged to put some family heirloom or article of clothing "up the spout" to get a few shillings. If it is an urgent and necessary article he finances its return —that is, if he is satisfied that the case is genuine. Over £812 has been disbursed by the society since March 31 last.

Ambulance Classes. An interesting aspect of the society's work is the running of ambulance classes and this year only one student failed in a class of 18 in a recent examination. Three pupils gained medallions and one gained still higher honours. These lucky students will receive their honours as a Christinas present. The classes were conducted by Dr. R. Kicks and Mr. J. Watson Cumming. superintendent of the Epsom St. John Ambulance Brigade, and the examiner j was Dr. C. E. A. Coldicutt. j Proof of the good work of the societv is revealed in the letters of thanks received by Mr. Moreton from prisoners j who have been helped. | And this Christmas another endeavour j is being made to brighten the lives of J those in gaol. "Rigger and better than, ever," is Mr. MoretonV slogan. I