CLOTHES FOR THE POOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21239, 20 July 1932, Page 13

CLOTHES FOR THE POOR.

DISTRIBUTING AGENCY.

OPPOSING VIEWS EXPRESSED.

AVOIDANCE OF EXPLICATION. Whether tho existing social organisations or the Metropolitan Relief Committee should distribute tho proceeds of a clothes "drive" to be conducted by the commercial travellers on July 30 was a question which led to a sharp clash of opinion at yesterday's meeting of the Metropolitan Committee. At the previous meeting of the committee it had been decided that tho clothes should be delivered to the committee's depot, and that, in all cases where tho social organisations received any of the goods, they should be distributed free. Mr. W. F. Stihvell, in accordance with notice, moved at yesterday's meeting that the conditions bo altered to provide that all clothing should be delivered to the depot, that it should be sorted and scheduled there and distributed thero to individual recipients on presentation of a chit, issued by the authority of a responsible officer of any social organisation.

Speaking as president of the Social Workers' Association, the Rev. G. Moreton said the social workers were strongly opposed to the committee taking over their functions. A unanimous resolution to that effect was carried at a recent meeting.

"If tho committee takes these goods our source of supply is gone," said the Rev. H. Halliday, of the Presbyterian Social Service Association.

"My idea is that we should make available to the social workers the clothes collected for women and children," said the Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison. "I do not think it wise to ask recipients of ordinary charity to present chits at our depot. We have a written assurance from the social workers that any goods passed on to them will not be sold. I think the proposal would only intensify the misery of those needing help. I have absolute confidence in the ability of the social workers to handle the goods. We must show our appreciation of their attitude in getting behind our . movement. We should leave the distribution to the people who know the job. There will be duplication if we take on the work."

After .further discussion Mr. Stilwell withdrew his motion. On Mr. Hutchison's suggestion it was decided that the names of those seeking assistance from the committee should be checked against the central register kept by the social organisations to avoid duplication. The hope was expressed that a compromise could then be arranged, whereby the proceeds of the "drive," as far as women's and children's clothing was concerned, would be apportioned with due regard to the needs of all claimants. The committee will supervise the distribution of men's clothing.

BOOKS FOR RELIEF CAMPS.

GRATITUDE OF THE MEN. As a result of the book drive by the Auckland Girl Guides somo weeks ago, the Mayoress' War Memorial Library League has been able to furnish the relief camps with afc« least one consignment of reading matter. Acknowledgments arc now coming forward from the various camps showing how keenly the gifts have been appreciated. In some cases the foreman of the camp sent acknowledgment at the express wish of the inen," who also in most cases desire another consignment. This the league is anxious to let them have, but it is at present busily engaged sending out its routine winter delivery.

CONSERVATION OP FUND. SUGGESTIONS AT PAPATOETOE. Suggestions for tho conservation of the Unemployment Fund as a practical alternative to increased taxation to meet the growing expenditure on unemployment relief, were discussed by the Papatoetoe Chamber of Commerce on Monday. Tho chairman, Mr. H. M. Didsbury, said the community would note with alarm tho reiterated statements by Ministers and tho Unemployment Board that the funds were insufficient. The administration of the i fund should not be left in the hands of tho department. He thought that bodies in every locality, such as the Chambers of Commerce, should be prepared to assist in the administration to see that deserving cases got full measure of relief, and some stringent measures, such as the " means test," which operated in Great Britain, adopted here to ensure that the fund was properly administered. Finally, tho following resolution was unanimously adopted. " That . thin Chamber of Commerce views with alarm the increasing expenditure in relief of unemployment and suggests as a method of conserving the present fund and avoiding additional taxation that the local unemployment committees be re-invested with powers of administration in every locality; and that the 'means test' be adopted by the Unemployment Board."