RELIEF OF DISTRESS

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1931, Page 8

RELIEF OF DISTRESS

PLANS AT ELTHAM. APPEAL FOR DONATIONS. That no one in Eltham and district should want for the necessities of life through the present distress, and particularly that caused by the stoppage of the No. 5 unemployment scheme, was the opinion expressed at a meeting at Eltham of social workers and others. •The meeting made complete arrangements to provide food and clothing for all necessitous cases. The meeting' was convened by the Mayor (Mr. 1. J. Bridger), and there were present members of the clergy, members of the Phinkct Society, the Red Cross, and the Anglican Ladies’ Guild. Mr. Bridger said that while much of the distress was not openly apparent, all social workers were aware of the position and its seriousness. “We must sec that no one in this town and district suffers for the want of food or clothes,” said Mr. Bridger, “and it is our plain duty to evolve plans whereby we can supply their need.” The meeting resolved to form itself into a Local Relief Committee, sub-com-mittecs to be set up from the main body, for the purpose of carrying various relief schemes. On the suggestion that a ball be field, Rev. J. A. Ryburn expressed the opinion that the present was not the time when people should expect somethin O- in return for their giving, and he was in favour of voluntary assistance. “We would strike at the tine heart of philanthropy,” he said. Otherwise they were on a very poor basis indeed and one to be deplored. Mrs. E. Clare, of the Anglican Ladies’ Guild, moved that a “pound” day be held every Wednesday, when housewives would be at liberty to donate a pound of any commodity from their pantries. The suggestion was unanimously approved by the meeting. It was decided that a central depot be fixed, and that the presidents of the following organisations be in charge: Plunket Society, Red Cross, Anglican Ladies’ Guild, Salvation Aimy Home League, Farmers’ Union, and Methodist Ladies’ Guild. Tlio meeting decided that the I\ed Cross Society “control the receiving and distribution of clothes, and that a general appeal be issued by the chairman.