GIFTS TO CHARITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21868, 2 August 1934, Page 10

GIFTS TO CHARITY

ANONYMOUS TRUSTEES TIMELY AID RENDERED AUCKLAND CITIZENS' WORK Three of Auckland's most prominent business men have distributed over £BOOO to deserving charities in a little more than a decade. Many a hardpressed social worker, many a clergyman and quite a fow institutions whose work does not obtrude itself on public notice havo benefited from their activities. At times when calls for aid have been pressing; a cheque has arrived. Accompanying it has been a brief note from a legal firm announcing that the cheque is from "the trustees in the estate of the late T. E. Smith" and also a few words of encouragement. That and no more. Behind this dispensation of muchrequired aid is a story of idealism and also of a realisation of the arduous nature of the work of those who come in contact with the deserving poor of the city. Prior to his death in 1921, Mr. Thomas E. Smith, of New Brighton, selected three trustees for his estate. Provision was made for relatives and friends and also for tho endowment of a bed at the Thames Hospital. The trustees were given full discretionary power in the disposal of the remainder of the estate for assisting deserving charities. A fe'w years after the death of Mr. Smith, some of the assets were realised and the trustees then decided to distribute the capital available among some of the orphanages in the Auckland district. As funds from the remainder of the investments accumulate the trustees allocate them to persons and organisations whose cases are brought under their notice. The cheques range from £lO to £IOO. The trustees conceal their individual identifies under a cloak of anonymity and as a rule the donations they have been instrumental in making appear in balance-sheets as from -'Anonymous." All three, however, are known for their good works in other directions and for their interest in the civic life of the community. "We who knew Mr. Smith and also know what is being done to-day with the income from his estate feel that his wishes are being qprried out to the letter," one of the trustees said yesterday. "When I look back and see what has been done, the good that has been accomplished and the distress that has been relieved, the idea occurs that Mr. Smith's example is one worth following," the trustee added. "I know from my own business contacts that there are people who are concerned as to what will happen with the estate they have accumulated. I suggest that any in such circumstances should create a simple trust as did Mr. Smith. They may be sure that if they do so, the good they do will live after them."