PRISONERS' AID SOCIETY.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1938, 22 December 1913, Page 7

PRISONERS' AID SOCIETY.

A mcctin;»,of lhfe Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society was held in"' the Supreme Court Chambers, on I'riday. In the unavoidable absence of Sir Robert Stout, 'Chief' Justice, "Mr. H. 11. Oftler presided. Others present were: Messrs. E. Arnold, J.P., P. J. O'Kcgan, and B. ' Cumniings. Tho report, stated die events that had transpired during the last four months had had the effect that all classes of society had suffered, nnrl acted as a great hindrance to the. advancement of the society's interest. The' greatest loss to tlio socicty, however, was the death of the lato Dr.. A. M'Arthur, S.M., who was held in tho highest esteem by all members of the society for his many estimable qualities, and his at all times considerate and kind advice to. any ex-prisoners that the executive committee brought before him at the weekly meetings held in his room. Ho was ever ready to help both practically aiid sympathetically. ,\o fowcr than 2000 liavo been helped in various ways by tlio society, from 1907 to 1913, and numbers have testified their heartfelt gratitude for the assistance given Wt : a critical period of their life, when 'even their own relations disown them. During August, September, October, and November the following help has been given, viz.Bl men, 143 beds and 100 meals; 12 men, food; 8 men, releasing swags; 3 men, advice for work; 1 man, clothes; 1! men, fares by stcanier to work; i men, cash; 1 woman, groceries; 1 woman, goods; total helped, 116. The nuiuber of released prisoners during same period totalled 252, The society's credit balance is .£6B 4s. lid. •Subscriptions were received from the following;— Air. Justice Cooper, J. Staples and Co., .£'■:! 3s. each; N.Z. Warehousemen's Association, Marton 8.C., City of Nelson, Sir Robert Stout, and Ciisbome 8.C., lis. each; AVilford and Levi, Gray and' Jackson, Koberls N.Z., Ltd.. T. Ballingcr and Co., ft. P. Webster, T. W. Hislop, Cadbury Bros., W. Callender, C. B. Jordan, Chinese Consul, J. P. Luke, Bell, Gully, Bell, and Myers. W. Ferguson, \V. G. Kiddell, Kempthorne and Pressor, ;E1 Is. each; C. B. Broborg. .£1; and the Public Trustee, per T. G. Macartliy's Estate, 4250. Tho committee express their thanks and appreciation of tho kindness .of those ladies and gentlemen who have so generously contributed to tho funds of the society, aiid to assure them that Ilie greatest care 'is exercised to obtain the bost results by the executive officers.