SALVATION ARMY HELPS

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26124, 29 May 1950, Page 6

SALVATION ARMY HELPS

SHELTER AND FOOD PROVIDED

Early on Saturday morning Major E. R. Elliot placed the Salvation Army's organisation at the service of flood victims. With Captain L. Bringans, Major Elliot visited the area ' and when the army’s offer was accepted by the police they were given the task of helping to evacuate women and children whose homes were in danger. “At first.’’ said Major Elliot, “they were reticent about leaving, but when we assured the’.ji we would take good care of them they were happy to come.” The Salvation Army asked Midland Motorways to send a bus to pick up the evacuees. The company promised a vehicle in 30 minutes, said Major Elliot, but two buses were on hand in half that time. About 38 persons, ail women and children with the exception of an elderly man. were brought into the city by 9.45 a.m. They were provided with a meal at the Young People's Hall behind the , Salvation Army Citadel.

Arrangements were then made for .some of the evacuees to go to relatives. while others, numbering about 20. were taken to the People’s Palace, where there was accommodation available for them. It had been hoped that the evacuees might be able 1o return to their homes yesterday, but an officer at the People’s Palace said that on the advice of the chief engineer of the North Canterbury Catchment Board (Mr H. W. Harris) it had been decided to retain them until at least to-day.

During Saturday the army distributed supplies of tea, soup and other food to police and transport officers and catchment board employees on duty in the flood area. The food was supplied by Mr and Mrs W. G. Scott and friends at Stewart's Gully. Some of the supplies were being held fo" a social function to have been held at the Gully on Saturday evening. Yesterday the organisation provided a similar service.