SAMARITAN WORK

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 28, 2 August 1934, Page 10

SAMARITAN WORK

(To the Editor.)

Sir,— During the past years it has been our custom'to make an appeal to the generous. Wellington public on behalf of the local-branch of the Salvation Army Samaritan work. Tho wholo community recognises the, existence of the poor sufferor by tho waysiae, numbers of sympathetic Army friends have shown themselves ready to ■■'provide the necessary "twopence," and the Samaritan Sisters and social workers _ are nobly playing their part in providing the "Inn." Pay in and day out tho hungry are fed and clothed by these Sisters whose whole life is dedicated to perusing "the short and simple annals of the poor.". . .. An endless stream of.needy folk are constantly calling for help at the depot. This poor man wants a pair of boots. A thinly-clad young mother asks for an old shawl in which to wrap her tiny infant. A shivering girl seeks a scarf, a whole family need food or fuel or both. An aged pensioner implores, a mattress, another begs a blanket. Alas! Our stocks are.almost depleted. "We have but five loaves and two small fishes, and what are these among so many?" Are all these cases deserving? Perhaps not! But surely the little childreu are! Our Sisters report tragic stories of needy children, who through no fault of their own have had the morn of life "robbod of its natural blessedness." .;./..■

Recently, one of . our Samaritan Sisters, visiting in the poorer quarters of tho city, arrived in time to welcome twin babies into a wintry world. There was nothing in tho house, either for tho mother or the babies. The officer rushcel .to a. neighbour who. did her host

to supply a layette for the twins; this consisted of a pair of clean towels in which the littlo strangers were wrapped pro tern. Children's clothing will be particularly welcomed; indeed, wo can make use of anything which could either bo given to the needy or disposed of in a jumble sale, the proceeds of which would be devoted to the purchase of extra nourishment for tho mothers with very young children. "Mercy is twice blessed, it blesses him who gives and him who takes. Yea, are woliot assured that even a cup of cold wator given in the name of a Disciple shall not fail of its reward." Adjutant Smith, Samaritan officer, will bo grateful for anything and everything sent to the Relief Depot, 20G Cuba Street. Telephone 49-340. —I am, etc.,

FLORENCE BIEKS, Women's Social Department.