HOT MEALS FOR PENSIONERS

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25607, 23 September 1948, Page 3

HOT MEALS FOR PENSIONERS

SUITABLE PREMISES TO BE SOUGHT

“This is one of the most pressing problems before the people of Christchurch,” said Cr. Mary McLean at a public meeting 'last evening to consider the provision of accommodation for the Christchurch Pensioners’ Association, in which hot meals could be cooked and served.

Cr. McLean said that there were 20,000 persons over 60 in Christchurch. Many were living entirely on their pension and many were paying rent for rooms. The first step in helping pensioners was the provision of a hot meal, not as charity, but at a reasonable price. Excellent work was being done by the Pensioners’ Association, but it was not permitted to use its rooms for cooking, she said. The Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews), who presided, said the settlement at Burnham, which was at last under way, would solve many difficulties,' but it could accommodate comparatively few. The principal problem in meeting the meal question would be finding suitable premises. "There is a very great need for something to be done,” he said.

The president of the association (Mr C. E. Donaldson) said the present premises were inadequate. Many pensioners were living by themselves without amenities and in poor housing conditions. What was wanted was a new building, with accommodation for about 500. If accommodation were provided the association could carry on the work.

The extension of the pensioners’ cottage scheme, inaugurated by the City Council several years ago, was suggested by Cr. L. G. Amos. The principle of providing meals was excellent but he thought that the question revolved on housing. Cr. J. L. Hay said that it would be difficult to find suitable accommodation in Christchurch. • The construction of a new building would receive a fairly high priority, he said.

On Cr. McLean’s suggestion, it was agreed to approve the proposal to provide accommodation, to hold another meeting with other organisations, and to obtain information about similar schemes in other centres.

The following committee was elected:—Mrs E. E. Dorn and Mr Donaldson (representing the association), Miss M. Corkill (Nurse Maude Association), the Rev. C. E. Muschamp (National Council of Churches), Mr S. H. McGeorge (Returned Services’ Association), and Cr. McLean (convener). v.