QUEEN'S JUBILEE CONVALESCENT FUND.

Evening Star, Issue 7250, 29 June 1887, Page 3

QUEEN'S JUBILEE CONVALESCENT FUND.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—As time seems to he a wrong imptvsS'ou abroad respeetii g ihe object lo which (he Queen’s fund is t'> be devoted, 1 wish to state, as briefly as possible, what decision wan anivtd at by the Committee which met last Fiiday in the Town Hall. F rat of al 1 , let me say that the pressing need of a convalescent home, such as is to be found in many parts of the Old Country and also in the other colonies, has long been felt by all who are engaged in hospital visitation or amongst the sick poor in their own homes.

The necessary money for such an undertaking, as buying or building a suitable house, besides furnishing and keeping up, would be very great, and for the present, at least, not lo he thought of. At the same time there are many cases whore women have been for weeks and months in the Hospital, and all that the best medical skill and good nursing could do has been don-, and yet they have not the requisite strength to go hack to their situations, if in husine s nisei vice, or if mothers with the care of large families to thru- homes; and yet they have to go to make room for more urgent cases. Now is the time when a change of a week or fortnight to the country or seaside, with perfect rest, good food, and fresh air, would do all that is require d to fit them for the battle of life. There are again other cases in which a little timely change of air or rest would prevent^a long and perhapi serious illness. I am sure in this town there are many hard-worked mothers and tlder sisters struggling to support those dependent upon them. Their whole 1-fe is a struggle just to get the bare necessaries, just enough to keep body and soul together. They have few of the comforts and home of the luxuries which their better-off sisters enjoy. How they must often long and sigh for a little rest from the turmoil of life, a quiet time in the country ; hut they sigh and long in vain. No tucli good time is for them —they cannot afford either the necessary time or the money required. Now, it is the intention of the Queen’s Fund Committee to provide for such cases as these.

Without going into any oxpen-e in the way of providing a home, they desire, if possible, to raise a -sum of money, not leas than LI,OOO, which, well invested, ought to yield a decent income, and so help as many as possible. And why not ? Far larger sums arc constantly taken away from us by lecturers, singers, ami theatrical professionals, eic. This money is to be spent here, and for the benefit of those in our midst. Sure y charity begins at home, although it should not end there. The City and suburbi are about to be canvassed by a large number of active, self-denying ladies, who, it is to bo hoped, will meet with every help and encouragement in their arduous and self-imposed task The amount of subscriptions to be asked for range from one penny upwards, so that no one need refuse —the poor will be helping the poor themselves and one another. All engaged in domestic service, shops, and factories arc invited to give; even the children are asked to deny themselves their sweetmeats and give their pence, and all who can their pound.- 1 , and I have not the least doubt that the necessary sum will be forthcoming. I may state that this fund is intended to help all within the City and suburbs who need its aid, without regard to country or creed. Perhaps some of our popular lectureis, or those who have the management of our concerts and other musical entertainment?, may be moved to come forward and help us in their own way. The object is a good one, and ought to commend itself to the sympathy and substantial help of all. Collectois aro still wanted for tome of tho suburbs. Will these who have the time and strength to give come forward and help? All communications addressed to tho hon. secretary, 20 Rattray street, will bo attended to.—l am etc, Mary Stewart, lion. Secretary Q.J.O.F. Dunedin, June 29.