RELIEF OF DISTRESS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 180, 2 July 1931, Page 8

RELIEF OF DISTRESS

CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETS. The Palmerston North Central Relief Committee recently formed to deal with cases of distress met last evening, the Mayor (Mr A. E. Mans ford) presiding. Others present were Miss Monckton, Mesdames L. A. Abraham, H. Palmer, M. Aitchison, S. Trask, A. E. Mansford, Messrs Graham, Jacobs, Young, Hood, Langley and Pliillipps (secretary). Apologies for absence were received from Mrs J- Hughes, Rev. G. T. Brown and Mr Kells. The chairman reported that the clothes drive had been an unqualified success from every point of view, and one car collected 247 parcels. It had been agreed that all further funds received to assist the unemployed should be administered through the Central Relief Committee. Mr Jacobs expressed the liopo that the committeo would become a permanent institution for the community. Co-operation was absolutely essential, and whatever funds were in hand by other bodies should be pa,ssed over to the Central Relief Committee. A motion to that effect was carried. Discussing the food depot, Mrs Abraham stated that four sheep were coming to hand daily, besides considerable quantities of general groceries. Mrs Abraham reported that 100 streets had been canvassed for supplies and very few refusals had been received.

Mr Young reported that arrangements had been made for a fortnight’s supply of bread at the rate of 25 loaves daily and 50 on Saturday. It was agreed that the secretary should bo empowered to secure essential food requirements and that all distress should tie dealt with by the Central Relief Committee.

Tiio secretary stated that owing to overcrowding at the food depot Mr L. H. Collinson had placed at the disposal of a committee a shop in Broadway opposite the depot, and the premises would bo used as a wholesale store. Mr Phillipps reported that two trucks of coal were coming from the collieries, and lie was authorised to purchase any necessary supplies required for household purposes. The Mayor stated that, thirty or forty cords of wood had been cut at Tiritea. Assistance in deliveries was being given by the City Council lorry. Funds received to date, it was reported, amounted to £35 0s Id from various donations. It was considered that all organisations arranging functions for the relief of distress should make the proceeds available to the Central Relief Committee for administration. A resolution to that effect, moved by Mr Jacobs, and seconded by Mr Graham, was carried. Mrs E. j. Leydon (St. Vincent do Paul Society Auxiliary) and Mr M. H. Oram (president of the Chamber of Commerce) were appointed to the general committee. It was decided that Mr P. Larcomb should be asked to accept the position of treasurer of the central relief fund. A resolution of thanks was passed to the generous donors of clothes in the organised drive on Saturday, it being stated that the goods received wore exceptionally clean, well-pressed, and a credit to the people.