DISTRESS IN DUNEDIN

Evening Star, Issue 17922, 18 March 1922, Page 6

DISTRESS IN DUNEDIN

WEDDING RING PLEDGED FOR

FOOD,

APPEAL BY ENSIGN COOMBS,

Yesterday afternoon a reporter called on Ensign Coombs, tho Samaritan officer of tho Dunedin corps of the Salvation Army, and found that hard-worked lady in trouble—tho greeting smile had that about it which betrayed anxiety.

“ I’m glad you have called,” replied tho Ensign. “You can help mo to let tho people of Dunedin know that I am craving for their help. Ask these who have fruit and vegetables going to waste to send me of their abundance. Many distressing cases are coming to mo daily. Very seldom have wo a scrap of food left over. It hurts deeply to see baskets going away empty. “ Only to-day a woman -who was worried almost to death appealed for food. After having parted with all worth selling, idle came to a rug on the bed. Believing that the children needed this almost as much as food, she was driven to ask assistance.

“ There are mothers out working, nobly striving to keep children and homo together;, who are particularly grateful for anything that helps to lighten their load in the shape of firing, food, or clothing. “We arc hard pressed for boots and stockings. Tho present cold and wet snap is driving many mothers to us for children’s clothing. Wc pass on to all who help ns the thanks and blessing of tho needy, and ask that they continue to minister comforts through our organisation. “ Let me show you one letter as a sample of the many that 1 am continually receiving. It is from a mother who is hi such dire need of food that she has pledged her wedding ring, her one brooch, and even a rug oft' the bed, and, those being her last resources, and being worried how to get food to see tho family over tho week-end, she appeals to us. “ Please let the public know that wo really want assistance to meet such,cases.”