WORK AMONG THE NEEDY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 144, 3 June 1936, Page 10

WORK AMONG THE NEEDY

Talk By Deaconess -r Holmes CAUSE THAT DESERVES HELP “Those people who are poor are often sick in soul, and if you help them materially it also helps them spiritually,” said Deaconess Mabel Holmes, yesterday afternoon when sho was asked by. the members of St. Matthow’a Guild of Fellowship to give a talk on her work among the distressed people of the town, mentioning what the guild members might do to help. Tho Deaconess said that a little jam or pickle would often be hardly missed in some homes, while many poor families living on simple food would iind it a very great treat.

With regard to finding needy cases, tho Deaconess mentioned that' there "’as in England a saying, “Have you ever been ’ad?” Those anxious to help the poor .would find that they were sometimes “had,” but the best idea was to ring the Central Relief Depot, ’phone 2600, before giving, and Mr T. Pickett, who was in charge, would give information as co .who had recently received lie ip, thus spreading out the giving. Tho Central Relief committee was very, representative, and things given were fairly distributed.

“Some people who are really deserving are very much against accepting charitable aid,” continued the Deaconuess, ‘‘and in these cases I tell them that as they have been good citizens they should take out in interest what they have put in. This is especially applicable to those who have suddenly been unfortunate alter having been regular ratepayers and loyal citizens.” ‘‘W e are pressing to see if we can have an old people’s home for those who can’t look after themselves. It is very hard work pushing bath chairs, and many old or infirm people really need care, though they ar? not actually sick. A home for elderly people js greatly needed.” Deaconess Holmes spoke of the work of tho District Nursing Association in caring for tho sick, and also of the splendid work of the War Relief Association.

The guild members were very, much touched by the sad and needy cases spoken of in confidence by the Deaconess. One very fine woman who has a bad heart is much in need of an old sofa to rest on or a rug to put by her bed. Someone else who is on a diet badly needs eggs and oranges. The epeaker assured tho members that little things were never wasted and all were gratefully received and much appreciated. The members were so anxious to help the sick fund of Deaconess Holmes that a spontaneous collection resulted in £1 7/6 being handed over towards her work.

The family treasure afternoon, to bo held later in tho month, was then discussed, and tho president, Mrs P. W. Hursthouse, thanked all present for their splendid contributions for future stalls,.