THE CENTRAL MISSION DEPOT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21600, 22 March 1932, Page 12

THE CENTRAL MISSION DEPOT

TO Tl.'K EDITOR. Sib, —I think it is very undignified and unworthy of our Mayor to attempt to bring discredit on the Central Mission Depot. For over 40 years the mission has stood in this city on the side of the oppressed, and has sought to help all in need. The Rev. L. B. Neale has developed this work and earned the thanks of the unemployed and of hundreds of others for the splendid work he has done. What does it matter where the boots were bought, provided the unemployed are receiving the benefit of the purchase? Perhaps Mr Neale made a good “ deal ” in Christchurch which he could not make in Dunedin, and got a good cheque thrown in with them as donation to the depot. Has the Mayor asked Mr Neale for particulars of this purchase of boots? Why should the Mayor be so concerned about this? It appears to me to be simply an attempt to discredit one who is doing his utmost on behalf of others. I would suggest to the Mayor to get busy and initiate some big scheme to provide work instead of depots; to display some leadership as Mayor in providing work instead of worrying about where a few boots were bought. Mr Neale has the confidence of the unemployed, his mission officials, and the city generally.—l am, etc.. Worker.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I notice by Saturday’s Daily Times that the Mayor is still annoyed about Mr Neale spending in Christchurch the money presented to him. I don’t think Mr Black is at all conversant with Mr Neale’s real reasons for buying in Christchurch, and he would be well advised to leave well alone. I would like to remind Mr Black that last year, in-' stead of supplying boots to men who applied to him for them, he gave them a note to take to Mr Neale asking him to supply them with boots. This goes to show that at that time he did not worry about where the boots came from so long as he did not have to supply them. I have in my possession an order from Mr Black’s Investigation Committee, dated August 19, 1931, for a pair of boots. The order referred me to the Salvation Army depot in Maclaggan street, where I found there were no boots to be obtained. I have, therefore, never received my boots, and if it had not been for a gift from a kind friend I would have had none. Quite possibly Mr Neale spent the money where he could get the best returns, but why worry, as he has bought New Zealand-made goods and kept the money in our country? I often wonder when I pass Mr Black’s shop if all the goods displayed in his window are New Zealand made. Mr Black states that Mr Neale, by spending in Christchurch, has deprived the workers in the boot factories of money that is rightly theirs. Has not Mr Black deprived the workers of something more important? Should he not be trying to lead us to better conditions and more spending power so that we could buy our boots when and where we like, instead of worrying over Mr Neale’s affairs.—l am, etc., Boots. Dunedin, March 19. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I was both shocked and disgusted to read the short, snappy, and humble rhetorical display in your issue of March 18 above the signature of a worthy citizen of the south end, Mr E. J. Bruce. He seems to have the courage of his convictions, in that he signs his name to his writings. How noble of him! but I would suggest to him that instead of criticising the actions and motives of the Rev. L. B. Neale in the way he did, he would be more useful to the unemployed of this city, and of more practical assistance to Mr Neale, if he would advise him of a more economical way of purchasing boots than in the cheapest market. Would Mr Bruce, if at the head of a combine, exercise any sentiment in business? I am sure Mr Neale was considering the large number of worthy applicants for relief when he purchased the boots in Christchurch. • Is it not wise and humane to make the “few hundreds of pounds” in question do the largest amount of good? Is it Christianity to give the “ five loaves and two fish ” to one half of the community and leave the remainder to go in need? Mr Neale gave the answer to that when he made the purchase in Christchurch. What we require now in times like these is practical workers and advisers, not critics. —I am, etc., Edward W. C. Bruce. 519 George street, March 19.