HELP WANTED

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8611, 23 December 1913, Page 4

HELP WANTED

As was to be expected after the events of the last two months, a large number of families in Wellington this Christmastide are in the unhappy position of being unable to provide themselves with that measure of material comfort that is customary, and is enjoyed by the rest of the community. The Mayor of tho city, Mr J. F. Luke, took the matter in hand yesterday, a committee has been formed, and donations will be gratefully received. The object is one that no good citizen can very well refuse to assist according to his or her means. There ought to be no questions asked in a matter of this kind as to the causes of temporary poverty. It is enough that it exists, and that it is Christmas time. Also, ws feel that there is no excuse for chis prosperous and wealthy community if it allows unfortunate sufferers to go unaided. Messrs Staples and Co. nave set an example, with a very handsome donation of £2OO, which we fully expect to see followed by other citizens in a reasonably liberal manner. Indeed, the response to the Mayor’s appeal by others besides the firm we have named is encouraging. This is a season for the obliteration of differences and for the practical exercise of that quality of humanity and charity that is, we feel proud to say, characteristic of Christian people tho world over, and by no means lacking in our own community. It is earnestly to be hoped that we shall be able to record to-morrow morning that the fund to supply good cheer to those in need of assistance has substantially expanded during the day. The time is short, but not too flhort to permit of sufficient money being subscribed towards the humane purpose for which it is solicited.