Conditions at Foxton

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 54, 27 November 1930, Page 13

Conditions at Foxton

Sir, —In your issue of November 21 appears a letter over the name of Mr. W. H. Walton regarding the distress in Foxton. I would first of all like to tell him and the general public that the statements made by the Salvation Army representative were not over-stated; they are absolutely true. Ensign Smith, who commands the local branch of th? Salvation Army, is a woman whose word is taken as gospel on 'anv matter by the/ public of loxton, particularly by the lodal unemployed. Everyone in Foxton is aware that there is a Dorcas Society here, but it seems quite evident that Mr. Walton considers that he and his society are not receiving as much publicity at be would like. Let me remind him that there are organisations and citizens here who are doing as much wbrk ns the Dorcas Society, who do not seek publicity. With reference to Mesdames Perreau and Frank Robinson, these two ladies arc well-known and highly respected by everybody for their efforts on behalf of the needy public in Foxton. . , To proceed a little further with the subject of distress locally, it appears, from a statement made recently by Mr. J. K. Hornblow, that some people have inferred that this gentleman has not done his duty for the needy. Let me tell Mr. Hornblow that such is not the case as far an Foxton is concerned. Everyone appreciates his efforts here. We all know the difficulties he has to surmount, but let me say that as far as the working pspple are.concerned they are all behind him in his efforts to alleviate the distress in Foxton. . In this latter respect I would refer him to the splendid hearing accorded him at. a public meeting op Thursday last when he was speaking on the matter of charitable aid. The board of which he is chairman is to be complimented for recently convening a conference of local bodies to urge highways construction works, so that able-bodied men may be employed instead of having to appeal for charity. In conclusion, I should, appreciate vour action if vou would publish the enclosed letter from Mr. Hornblow to me. —I am, etC ” R. N. SHAW. Foxtbn. November 24. < ; ; The letter from Mr. J. K. Hornblow, chairman of the Palmerston North Hospital Board, referred to by Mr. Shaw, is as follows: — . . “Dear Sir, —I may inform you that the board has not turned down any deserving applicants for relief, nor will it do so. Indeed, hundreds of pounds are being expended in this connection, which reprean economic loss, for in the majority of cases the bread-winners prefer work to charity. The board recently convened, a conference of local contributing bodies in the hospital district, urging that wherever possible highways construction be undertaken in order that wages for permanent work may take the place of relief without work. The conference agreed to the recommendation and the conference resolution has been forwarded to the Government. Any action which you or others can take to relieve the present situation will be greatly appreciated by the Hospital Board.”