THE BENEVOLENT TRUSTEES AND MISS GRACE NEILL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1315, 13 May 1897, Page 19

THE BENEVOLENT TRUSTEES AND MISS GRACE NEILL.

Some discussion took place at Tuesday's meeting of the Benevolent Society Trustees in reference to a report forwarded to the head office by the Assistant-Inspector of Charitable Institutions and Hospitals (Mrs Grace Neill), and sent to the Benevolent Trustees for explanation. The report stated that several persons to whom the Trustees were giving help were quite able to assist themselves, and particularised several instances where help was given when it should not be. The Trustees had the people mentioned brought before them. The first pair (husband jand wife), who were reported as receiving assistance when it was not required, stated that they were both unable to work, the man not having recovered from an attack of typhoid fever. They had eight children, two of whom were earning iBl a week and one 2s 6d a week," while the others were earning nothing. The Chairman (Rev H, Van Staveren) said the people evidently needed the assistance they were getting. Mr Wm. Booth pointed out that lady inspectors often were more cirte than men, but suggested that Mrs Neil] should put her report in writing. The Chairman brought up a scheme which he had previously ventilated on other occasions that a voluntary ladies' committee should be set up to report on these matters. He considered that a committee of that kind would much more easily get at the bottom of these things than a paid inspector. It was decided to continue the aid already given. Another case was then enquired into, concerning which Mrs Neill stated that two of the daughters were supporting the mother and father by prostitution. The mother stated that she had only one daughter in Wellington, and that she was lying very ill from disease. Her daughter was respectable. The Chairmon said he knew the woman was a respectable one, and the strictures of the lady inspector were, to say the least of it, a little too severe. It was decided to continue the help in this case. Another family were reported as being of very bad repute. The woman, who was young and neatly dressed, said her husband was ill and had earned nothing for nine months. She had six children, and earned a little by sowing. The Chairman said it was a disgrace that a little woman, who was battling her way bravely, should be branded as being of bad repute. The other Trustees, without exception, agreed in this, and said it was evident that the woman was respectable. One or two of the Trustees, who had known the family, said the statements were astonishing, and another Trustee characterised the report as a cruel stab in the dark. Another woman, who was partially supported by the Trustees, was said, according to the report, to have two daughters working as barmaids, and she was also charged with being of intemperate habits. The woman stated that she never drank, and burst into tears of indignation. She had never drunk anything in her life. . Two of her children were suffering from ill-nealth, and all of them were respectable. One of them worked in a bar. One of the Trustees said he knew the woman was respectable. The Trustees decided to continue her allowance. The matter was afterwards considered in committee.