THE AUCKLAND BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7175, 14 November 1884, Page 3

THE AUCKLAND BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

TO THE EDITOR. ' Sib,—l am aware that it is a rash act to question an editor, because he can confront one with that mysterious and mighty " we" which appals people ; bat as yoahave always been generous enough, to rectify mistakes, I am encouraged to hope that you will do so once more. In your leader yesterday yon made some very damaging, contradictory, and incorrect statements about the Benevolent Society, which organisation you ought to be the first to foster.; And, although you cannot possibly have ' any personal desire to,. or reason„ for, intentionally injuring it, yoa nevertheless incur grave responsibility for carelessly circulating' throughout Auckland thousands of broad-. sheets unjustly reflecting upon thin indispensable institution. I shall not attempt to controvert your assertion that this society will not bear a favourable comparison with, the late Ladies' Benevolent; Society, because that would open up the question of its absolute collapse through want, of public confidence and support; butlchallengeyo'a to prove that this society lacks public confidence or support. On what do you base your assertion 2 Is it on Mr. Dando's statement 2 > He said, as your own reporter showed, that the ladies* canvass was satisfactory, bat in "your, leader you make "him say it was unsatisfactory ; hence you were in error. Or do you base it on the sums collected ? Now what are they ? Altogether we have received £460, exclusive of'£l93 from the Government. JBat the* Government will give, pound for pound of our £460, and henca we total £920, which is a grander total, I think, than of any other similar society in New Zealand. So do not try .to-, persuade people that the society baa not got public confidence, or they may believe it j and thus we should lose the sympathy ■ and support essential to. our helping the helpless* . We are dealing satisfactorily with every case of distress that arises; we .have ,a good balance at the bank; the ladies are working; like angela of mercy in mitigating the sorrowa and sutferings of women and children ; thegentlemen are getting work for men and otherwise helping; and as one of the Executive Committee X feel constrained to ask yop. I not to do 'any harm if you cannot do na I any. good. lam convinced you would not I harm theßOOiety intentionally.—l am, &c., , November 14. F. G. Ewihgton.