CENTRAL RELIEF SOCIETY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19579, 28 August 1933, Page 6

CENTRAL RELIEF SOCIETY

CRITICISM OF EFFORTS MR RITCHIE IN REPLY “I regret very much that those people who have so ignorantly criticised the efforts of the Central Relief Society, have not seen fit to sign then* names or to take the obvious step of prosecuting their inquiries at the office of the Society,” said Mr W. T. Ritchie, president of the Timaru Central Relief Society in an interview with a representative of “The Timaru Herald. "I dislike answering anonymous correspondents,” Mr Ritchie went on to say, "but I do so now, because I feel we owe it to those who have so generously helped us in our appeal and to those who, we hope, w T ill do so when they realise the necessity. The true facts of our activities are appreciated by at least 90 per cent of tile recipients of help. Reply to Correspondents. “These points have been made by correspondents: (1) “That we sell to the recipients at the same prices as that at which we buy, and that these prices are very little different from retail prices. (2) “That what we are doing is taking trade away from the retailers and so increasing unemployment. (3) “That it is the landlords who are deserving of relief. “In answer I may say that (1) “On an average we purchase at about 75 per cent of the retail price and charge the recipients two-thirds of this cost, the remaining one-third being paid from our funds, which means that recipients are getting their goods from our depot at two-thirds of the retail price. In addition, all gift goods are distributed free, meat in certain cases, and working boots repaired free. (2) “The average amount paid in purchases of groceries from the depot is 3/4 a family a week, which is proof in itself as to how little our efforts cut into the retail trade of the town. The fuel obtained from us averages 1/10 a family a week, so obviously our activities occupy only a small part of a household budget. (3) The landlords have all our sympathy, but again- it is evident that any question of meeting outstanding rent would be beyond our means. The fact that our relief enables recipients to purchase a certain quantity of goods .t two-thirds the retail prices must surely place tenants in a better position to pay rent should they genuinely wish to do so. Balance Sheets Available. “Appreciation of the Society's efforts is evident in the greatly increased demands that are being made upon iti resouices. It is not possible to give chapter and verse as to where the money all goes, but our balance sheets for the last two years have been published, and are available for inspection by any who wish for information. “Put in a nutshell, last year's funds were wholly spent on direct help to those who needed it, except for 10 per cent, which was the cost of administration, which small amount was entirely due to the wonderful and wholehearted service given voluntarily by a splendid section of a community, a community whom it is quite impossible to thank adequately. “I do not feel disposed to make any further explanations, at any rate to anv anonymous correspondence, but would advise critics either to write direct to me with their grievance or go direct to the Society’s office, where I can assure them that they will have their curiosity fully satisfied/”