THE ST. ANDREW STREET DEPOT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21599, 21 March 1932, Page 8

THE ST. ANDREW STREET DEPOT

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The Mayor states that I lack knowledge of what is correct. I beg to state that until the wives of the unemployed waited on him at the lown Hall on Friday morning. March 11, no men were supplied from St. Andrew Street Depot until their stand-down week came round. When this deputation stated that help would have to be given every week, and that the Hospital Board, should still issue orders for food on the stand-clown week, Mr Black assured these women that he would see what could be done in conjunction with the Hospital Board. The Hospital Board would not agree to the continuation of orders, and I understand that it would contribute £2OO weekly to the depot, and that it advised Mr Black to carry on as he was doing. On the afternoon of the 11th inst. three other women and myself, being very much in need of food, decided to approach Mrs Black and state our case to her. We arrived at the St. Andrew Street Depot as Mrs Black was leaving her car to enter it. Three unemployed men were also there waiting. To these men Mrs Black exhibited a piece of square board on which was written something to the effect that no women or children would be supplied there, and that unemployed women should register at the Y.W.C.A. Two of these men who were waiting nailed the boani to the door while we hungry women looked on. Did Mrs Black ask us if we were needing anvthing? No. Sir. when tlie hoard was affixed Mrs Black took the men inside and quickly slammed the door. 1 challenge Mrs Black to deny this. Hie excuse, I know, will be that it was not distribution day: but as the three men were taken in, why were not we women also? As this was my first visit to a depot I was not very much impressed by some people’s way of acting.

When we applied to the Central Mission Depot the lady in charge there smilingly greeted us, and asked us what we wanted. We told her we would be glad of anything at all, and we were helped straight away without any questions being asked. This lady’s smile gladdened our heart. Even if we had got no help we would have left that place with a smile. Why does not Mr Black announce in the press that everyone in need will be given help on application at his _ depot? When they do apply there, will their name and address be taken, and will they be told that their case will be investigated and that while this is being done they can starve? The unemployed are quite cognisant of red tape at the St. Andrew street and the Dowling street depots. I wonder why the Mayor does not ask Mr Neale to enlighten him why he buys boots in Christchurch. Perhaps Mr Black would be silenced for ever if he did. The. contributors do not object to Mr Neale buying in Christchurch or in any other town in New Zealand. He is the best judge of where he can buy the best at a low rate. —L am, etc., Mrs S. South Dunedin, March 19.