P.N. Central Relief Committee Meeting

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 67, 21 March 1935, Page 5

P.N. Central Relief Committee Meeting

Tho Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford) presided over a meeting of the Palmerston North Central Relief Committeo held this week. There were also present: Messrs J. C. Young, B. J. Jacobs, A. A. Langley, Rev. Hubbard, Adjutant Wallace,- Messrs P. S. Larcomb (hon. treasurer), K. G. Chamberlain (hon. secretary), Mcsdamcs Mansford, Trask, Palmer, Aitchison, Sinclair and Flood. Apologies for abscnco were received.

The Mayor welcomed as a new member Adjutant Wallace, of the Salvation Army. The officer in charge of the relief depot reported as follows: —Tho total number of rations issued for the four weeks ending Marfch 9 was 2140, an average of 535 weekly, or an increase of 64 rations over the previous 4-week-ly period; 4590 loaves of bread were purchased and 70 loaves were donated by Messrs Mcadley and Gardner, J. S. Jenkinson and St. Peter’s Church Committee. Buns and scones were received from Messrs Boniface Bros, and J. S. Jenkinson; 11721b5. of butter were purchased. Six carcases of mutton wore donated by Mr Holger Voss, of Karere, and these were much appreciated by recipients at the depot. The community garden provided 11 sacks of onions, 2 sacks beetroot, 2 sacks beans and 2 sacks of rhubarb. Mr Owtram donated SOOlbs. tomatoes and 3601bs of apples. Potatoes aro now being dug at the community garden, and the crop of six acres is expected to produce 42 tons. Four hundred -and fifty-eight gallons of milk were supplied during the period to 85 families of small children.

The chairman reported that the subcommittee set up at last meeting had met representatives of the Rotary Club that day and the matter of raising funds had been given consideration and he hoped to be able to report fully later.

It will be remembered that the postmen of-Palmerston North some two years ago conducted a drive for clothes, boots and produce, and tho result exceeded all expectations. The relief committee had over 5000 parcels to sort and enough clothes were forthcoming to stock the clothes depot for 18 months. The committee decided to ask the postmen to arrange another drive and if they can do this the public of Palmerston North can be relied upon to contribute freely to the drive. Tho committee, after nearly fivo years of work, finds itself without funds. In tho early months of its operations it received subsidies from the Unemployment Board and, although these have long ceased to come forward, tho committeo by means of organised efforts has been able to assist necessitous cases amongst the ..unemployed. * The last big effort was the queen carnival, by means of which over £I7OO was Taiscd. The funds then in hand have enabled the committee to carry on for 16 months without appealing to the public. At present £6O weekly is required to finance bread and butter for 550 families and milk for 83 families of small children. With the approach of winter and more coming on the depot for assistance, the committee will' require at least £IOOO, and how to raise this sum is causing them some coucern. Meantime, any cash donations from the public will be much appreciated as £2OO will be wanted to pay for March rations. It is proposed to devise means of raising at least £IOOO by some monster effort, and citizens will very shortly know what naturo tho effort will take.

Donations will bo thankfully received, by the hon. treasurer, Air P. 8. Larcomb, Box SSJ, or 26 Rangitikci street.