DISTRESSED FAMILY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9720, 24 July 1917, Page 4

DISTRESSED FAMILY

ax Appeal. v To the ’ Editor '‘N.Z. Times.” Sir,—The original intention in mak* ing the above matter public was simply to raise sufficient money to tido the poor woman over her confinement and perhaps carry on for. a few weeks until she became strong again, but since then the idea has developed somewhat, The response to the appeal has been so generous as to encourage us to make a further effort. We aspire to give the family a small cottage and free them of the obligation to pay ■rent. This in itself will enable the mother to earn sufficient to meet their humble needs, and so render them independent of the Charitable Aid Board. If wo cannot raise enough to enable us to do this the family must inevitably; return to the board, and remain for some years a drag on the community.

I have been told the project is an ambitious one, but wc think it can bo done. An energetic canvass by half a dozen young ladies and a successful entertainment, and the thing is done. . This is a case that should especially appeal to the. women of the community. Will not, then, soma young ladies co-operate with us and kelp to make the project a success?

When we take into consideration the heroic way in which this woman has faced her difficulties and waged a losing battle against terrible odds, striving, in spite of the handicap of a drinking husband, ,to keep her children clothed and fed, working day and night with the ever-present prospect of gaunt poverty staring her in the face, and in the end failing through pura physical exhaustion, can wo remain apathetic? The pride and boast of the British race is that they recognise and admire courage ana independence. This woman has asked aid from no one but fought the grim battle in silence and alone, and it was only by the mareat accident we became awaro of her ten - ribic position. Let ns, then, make the' benefit a permanent one, and by so doing render «ci life in the future a little brighter than it has been in the past. The securing of a small cottage vested in herself and family would bo a fitting birthday present from the people of Wellington to the little stranger soon to be among us, and a tribute to ita mother’s gallant struggle.—X am, etc..

FRED SINGLETON, Secretary Relief Committee.