BEDS FOR WORKLESS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 125, 29 May 1930, Page 11

BEDS FOR WORKLESS

SALVATION ARMY'S EFFORT

It wan' reported at this week J s meeting of the Bed Cross Unemployment Belief Committee that the committee had been approached by a prominent men's movement in the city with the suggestion that a "doss house" should be set up during the winter months. In discussing this matter the committee felt that there already existed organisations to cope with this work, .which were in a position to extend their machinery to cover any emergency which might arise, and that before such a scheme was embarked upon the body in question should call a round-table conference among organisations dispensing relief. Accordii-s- to Colonel J. J. Toomer, of the Salvation Army, there is no need for any man who is out of work to sleep out at nights. Ample accommodation is provided by tho Army. There are already 70 beds available in the w,orkers' home in Buckle street, and in addition to this the Army, with- the assistance of the Government, has made arrangements' to provide 200 beds in the barracks on Mount Cook. Fifty beds will be available at the barracks tonight, and each man occupying a bed will bo provided with breakfast in the morning.

Colonel Toomer-stated to-day that it was ridiculous to say that men were forced to sleep out. Of the seventy beds provided at Buckle street only fifty were occupied last night. (To the Editor.) Sir, —I read with pleasure in your issue of 27th May that emergency arrangements have been mado by the Salvation Army whereby destitute persons can have beds upon application. I think that the Salvation Army deserve the thanks of the for this prompt and organised-service. Even a little help is far better than a lot of sympathy. I think that if a little publicity was given to the matter, quite a lot of persons and firms would be found willing to help them sustain this effort and possibly extend the good work. I have the pleasure of enclosing a cheque for ten guineas ,to such a fund. —I am, etc., GEO. J. W. COOPEE. 28f;h May. ' ' " • [The "Evening Post" this week received another cheque for £5. ;The money was forwarded to the Sajvation Army:—Ed.]