DISTRESS IN CITY

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 172, 16 April 1932, Page 13

DISTRESS IN CITY

Mayor’s Fund Depleted AN URGENT APPEAL Those in Desperate Need AID FROM CITIZENS Further contributions io the Mayor’s Relief Fund are appealed for by the Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, who yesterday announced that the money raised last year for this fund had been exhausted. To aid those in desperate need it is necessary that more money be collected. “In May of last year,” Mr. Hislop said, "the Mayor’s fund for the relief of distress was started, and through the support of citizens there was contributed, up to a few weeks ago, a total of approximately £6OOO. and in addition there were large donations of food and supplies. This fund was distributed through the various local organisations in different parts of the city, acting through and under the direction and control of the deputychairman of the Mayor’s Fund Committee. A careful examination of the work done during the period shows that, there was practically no overlapping and that the distribution of the moneys and supplies relieved dire distress among many families in the city and its environs. Close Watch on Money. "It is no exaggeration to say,” continued Mr. Hislop, "that but for the work done by those administering the fund deplorable conditions of hardshipwould have existed in the city. I have on different occasions told the public, from the platform, and through the .Press, the manner in which the'money and supplies of the fund have been disbursed, and it is not necessary for me to reiterate here, except to say that the closest examination by people competent to judge has resulted in their endorsing and approving the methods followed. "The fund is now exhausted. The organisation remains, and it is essential that means should be found to replenish the fund so that its activities, more necessary than ever, may continue. "The Government has recently decided to increase the unemployment relief tax and to raise thereby a very large sum of money. It is, however, clear that in spite of the proposals of the Government, there will still be in the community a large number of families who must: be helped. The total estimated fund under the new unemployment tax will not cover all requirements. There will, iu fact, be a very large proportion of the people whose essential needs will not be supplied. "I therefore appeal to the public for donations to the Mayor’s Relief Fund to enable us to alleviate a little the present distress and to .meet the very heavy burdens which the coming winter will no doubt bring. Necessity for Appeal. “Some people are under the impression that the new proposals of the Government make it unnecessary for any relief organisations to carry on, but with a full knowledge of the fig-, ures and of the conditions in the city at the present time, and knowing well the reduced resources of every citizen, no matter what his position, I say with a full sense of responsibility that it is essential for the well-being of this citv that funds should at once be made available for the Mayor’s relief fund. “It is possible that iu the near future an amalgamation of the various relief organisations may take place. I have to meet Hie immediate present situation, and therefore I ask for something to carry on with, and I hope that eiti zens will appreciate that I ask only because on my intimate knowledge of the situation I know that thia appeal must be made. Any donations, be they large or small, can be sent to me at the Town Hall, and any donations of food supplies can be addressed to the Mayor’s .Relief Depot, Dixon Street.” CITY MISSION Donations Acknowledged Ou behalf of the Wellington City Mission distress relief fund, the Rev. T. Fieldeu Taylor thankfully acknowledges the following further donations; U.C.. £3; A non., 10/-; Lenten collection, 10/-; Hooper, 10/-; Hayes, 10/-; Anon., £3; staff dance. £25: J., 4/-; Anon., £1; W.. £10; Rangatawu. 35/-; Wanganui Collegiate School, £B/13/11; Friend, £4- The total amount received to date is £69. '