WAY OF FELLOWSHIP

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 80, 16 March 1934, Page 10

WAY OF FELLOWSHIP

Prince and Unemployed SOCIAL SERVICE MOVEMENT In a recent broadcast speech the Prince of Wales reviewed the work of the National Council of Social Service of which he is patron, and indicated directions in which this voluntary service movement might be extended. “The Way of Fellowship ” he said, “was the foundation of the scheme.” “I am glad to tell you,” the Prince remarked, “that to-day over 2000 active voluntary schemes are in existence all over the country, doing really valuable work, helping countless men and women unemployed, enabling them, for the first time, to learn the satisfaction of discovering all kinds of unexpected talent and new interests. “I never cease to admire the way in which so many of those suffering under the intolerable nightmare of unemployment have shown their determination to make the best of it, and I am thankful for the help and backing their efforts are getting in so many places.” The Prince related how at a small club in a very poor part of London, the unemployed had not only contributed towards a Christmas party for their own children, but also to one for even poorer children in the district. He added“ Surely such a story is enough to make you realise the need for further recruits to swell the membership of this great public-spirited movement, which is doing so much to keep Britain the strong team it is today.” Referring to the smaller clubs, the Prince said: —“I have seen some of these clubs, some of them mere tin huts, gaily painted, inside full of life and good cheer, with a bright stove burning, and people enjoying the companionship of others, with at the other end carpenters and boot-repairing benches and cards and dominoes in progress. “Have not the unemployed people themselves set a great example? They have contributed over £30,000 by weekly pennies and twopences as club subscriptions and payments ior material to work with. I know of an example where local firms have given bricks, timber, plumbing and window frames, and the unemployed members have built and decorated the clubs themselves. This is a very ideal form of mutual help, and could, I think, be greatly extended to advantage.” On the subject of camping, the Prince said:—“l consider camping a very important item. Eighty camps were organised last summer, and from visits to several of these I know how much they are appreciated and the beneficial results both in mind and body to those who can avail themselves of the opportunities for camping. Can not every town have its camp this summer? I am sure that plenty of people with land would make sites available, | and I understand that, with proper or- | ganisation, costs can be kept quite low. 1 should like to think that everyone who is unemployed could get a camp holiday this year if he wanted it. Let self-help go hand in hand with mutual service. Let the State do its utmost by political and economic devices, but there is no sovereign remedy which will ever replace or make obsolete the way of fellowship.”