RUSSIAN FAMINE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18544, 3 May 1922, Page 8

RUSSIAN FAMINE

A public meeting' convened by the Mayor (Mr J. Watson) was held in the Council Chambers, Port Chalmers, last night, to take part in the campaign for helping the starving Russian children. Mr Watson explained the object; of the meeting and the urgent need for' assistance. Mr G. F. Booth, rd&tor of the District High School, read a circular sent to the teachers of schools asking them to interest the pupils in the scheme for helping the Russian children. The Mayor did not think a school effort would clash with any general scheme. He thought a house to house canvass should be made by the ladies, with street collections on Friday. The Rev. W. M. Grant said there was no doubt there was a tremendous claim for help. It was reported that 15,000,000 people in Russia were starving. But .for the great drought in Russia, sufficient wheat would have been raised there to serve that country and probably other countries in' Europe. One pound given now would serve to save a life by helping one person to survive until the next harvest time. Carts were going round daily gathering, up the bodies of children who had died of starvation. Dogs and cats had been eaten by the starving people. Europe was impoverished during the war and not able to assist as otherwise would have been done. Mr Grant concluded with an earnest appeal in the Master’s name to save the helpless little children. He was sure the ladies who worked so hard. in the war period would take up this very deserving work, ,- Or J. M'Lachlan said they were all in sympathy with starving Russia, and he was sure Tort Chalmers would not be found wanting in the great work of relieving starvation. The town should be canvassed on Friday, and a further effort might be made on Saturday, for sortie might Wish to help in kind who had not cash available. The fishermen had helped before by contributing a day's fishing. He moved, in that direction, and that the ladies should take charge on Friday. Dr W. H. Borrie supported the motion; which was carried. The ladies present were appointed as a committee, with Mrs G. F. Booth as chairwoman, to carry out the collecting. It was decided to advertise the collecting, also the sale of produce on Saturday. The details of the scheme were arranged, and the. district was divided into definite areas, so that the canvass might be carried out in a thorough manner.