DISTRESS IN CITY

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 35, 9 August 1930, Page 6

DISTRESS IN CITY

SALVATION ARMY RELIEF FUND

The past week has been a busy one a the Salvation Army Shelter in Buckle street, and the number of beds in the old prison has been increased. The numbers provided with free beds and meals have averaged 120 per day. During the week several gentlemen have visited the shelter and expressed their pleasure and surprise at the fare given and the comfort of the beds. Among these were Mr. M'Neil, S.M., and Mr. Woodward, S.M., who carefully inspected the buildings at Buckle street and Miramar, and conversed with the men, who x expressed satisfaction with the help received. A report having been received that men were stilJ sleeping in the tunnels and parks, Colonel Toomer arranged for a special patrol between 11 p.m. on Saturday and 2 a.m. on Sunday. It is gratifying to be able to report that not one man was found in these places or on the Esplanades at Oriental Bay or Seatoun, beyond a few belated courting couples who oughjt to have been at home.

The total number of meals and beds provided free to date is 10,842 meals, 6053 beds.

In addition to the splendid response to the "Evening Post" appeal, Colonel Toomer gratefully acknowledges parcels of boots and clothing for children, women, and men. Most of these gifts have been anonymous. A quantity of bedding, chiefly blankets, has been welcome indeed. The Samaritan Sisters have been able to supply food to 198 families, comprising 898 persons, and 1200 garments to 287 persons. One hundred and thirty families have been visited and their needs investigate ed by the officers, and 221 more persons were personally interviewed during July.

August has opened with even greater evidences of need. Tho first week's report shows that 300 garments have been distributed and 90 families were supplied with food. In the men's department 125 articles of clothing have been distributed.