GOOD SOCIAL SERVICE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 245, 13 September 1935, Page 8

GOOD SOCIAL SERVICE.

Perhaps because it held no major campaign for funds during the past year, the work of the city’s Central Relief Committee has not received as much attention as usual, but the records published this week of the committee’s activities for the year to March last indicate that time has not wearied its members nor the task of caring for many needy people over a long period diminished their zeal and goodheartedness. When the time we all hope arrives that there will be little or no need for such commendable service, the work of the committee will not be forgotten. A glance at the list of its disbursements shows how extensive has been its operations. Not since 1933, when a highly successful carnival was held, has the committee made a major appeal, other, of course, than the annual Charity Ball. Since then it has depended mainly on the steady contributions of cash and kind regularly donated by cheerful givers, and it is to these supporters of the movement that the recipients of help, as well as the community generally, _ owe an immense debt of gratitude. To the members of the committee much praise is due for their administration of a task that is more onerous than may appear on the surface. A great deal of tact is required in the successful attainment of such a committee’s objects, and the fact that outside organisations have extolled the Palmerston North committee’s methods as a model of efficiency and good management is evidence of how well the members have succeeded. One of the arrangements which have facilitated the harmonious and successful working of the committee is that all the relief activities of various societies and organisations have been co-ordinated under the one group, preventing overlapping and ensuring that every pound spent goes the farthest, and that the highest degree of efficiency is attained. The committee is in need of money, food, and clothing to-day as much, as ever, and has in contemplation another big campaign for funds. The loyal and unostentatious services of its members and the remarkable means by which they have made a little go a long way should commend the next appeal to all who can afford to give.