NO RESPECT SHOWN TO AGED

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 280, 23 August 1944, Page 8

NO RESPECT SHOWN TO AGED

Need Seen For Amenities ASSOCIATION FORMED Comment that the older were left to fend for themself that no i expect was now shown to old .»c, ■«' that youth rushed the tram seals while ihe aged were left to.stand, was made-by a sneaker at a meeting held in XX ellni o ion yesterday afternoon, when it was unanimously decided to form an Old Folks’ Association. . . Thousands of men and women li'*n= in Wellington were homeless and had to find lodgings in rooms with tew amenities, said a woman. The womens restroom recently established was not a suit able place for the aged., who were obliged io sit in tram termini, on seats in city Xve“and at the railway stn ion, often in the cold and rain. They had nowhere to go and nobody worried about them. A social hall was 'badly needed. Mr A. H. Vile, convener of the meeting, outlined the activities of similar organizations in otfeer centres, and said that rim object was to promote social tellow- - ship, as well as to look after the sick. Politics and religion were forbidden subjects of discussion. The mayor, Mr. Appleton, who piesided said these were days when an thought seemed to be concentrated on. the future. That was right enough provided those who had borne the heat and burden of the day in the past were not forgotten. It was time to reflect on the Lib; lical quotation, '“The good seed brmgeth forth good fruit,” and in tj>at ll ' e , oi ” folks of New Zealand might well -feel proud today. . , . , “But while todays trend is toward vouth and young ideas, it is well not to forget that age, too, has a valued contribution to make,” said Mr. Appleton. Age mellows us all, it brings greater understanding, and while it does, not lack vision, it does not confuse vision with recklessness. As mayor I am always ready to acknowledge the great help I draw from the experience of the older councillors. Among you today will be men and women who have lived through three wars affecting this country, at least as many depressions and times of prosperity. and other periods which have been just average.” Mr. Appleton said he trusted the association would enjoy the success it deserved and, at the very least, result in -he provision of some rooms where the aged could meet, renew old friendships, and make new ones. Many old people were living in rooms these, days or under conditions not in keeping with the comfort they/required. A central, social room would fill a great need. W’th the support of the council, he would be glad to do what he could to assist. Comfort and decent living conditions were more wanted in Wellington than in any other place in New Zealand. Subsequently an interim committee was formed to deal with the organization of the association.