THE BREAD FUND.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8823, 15 March 1909, Page 5

THE BREAD FUND.

(To the- Editor.)

Sir, —-Your ; contemporary, in a -sub leader in.- this morning's issue, has something to say on. the above subject which fieems to call for comment. It must be interesting' to tho great number of subscribers to this fund' to know that in tlie opinion of the editor of the M.D.T. the fund should ■ never have been started here. Of course, he is entitled; to hi-s opinion—every man.is, even, editors—but it is instructive to note that nothing ehort of an earthquake can .induce some of them to see the advisability of succouring the helpless arid hungry even when they are of their own kin. "It. is not as though there were any sudden catastrophe to bo met by a special effort." It is also quite true that " there is always, a section, of its population, starving while another wallows in wealth," but if there is anything in the sentiment of Icinship we cannot get rid of our responsibilities by any euch j reflection. Both sections referred to are our kindred, and wo have a responsibility in regard to both. The insinuation that the originator of the Bread Fund movement (Mr Blatch- . ford) was simply looking for an advertisement is beneath one's notice. On behalf of those who originated the movement in Palmerston, however, L. may claim that the proo_f that they have, had public opinion- behind tLem lies in the fact thafc-the collections have mow mounted up, to such a magnificent total, far exceeding, the expectations -of the promoters.

But after all, Mr Editor, your contemporary may only be suffering from natural chagrin at the small success attending his own efforts in the direction, of raising money for what he considered deserving objects (in which the public apparently, disagreed with him), and having also on this occasion so completely missed the 'bus I .—Yours, etc.; J. ROBERTSON, See. Bread Fund Committee. Palmerston, March-15, 1909. _■ . P.S.—I have written you on this subject instead of your contemporary, as he some time ago indicated that ;he preferred; you should have all my newspaper correspondence. —J;R. {