CENTRAL RELIEF SOCIETY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19802, 18 May 1934, Page 10

CENTRAL RELIEF SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING HELD REVIEW OF YEAR’S WORK The annual meeting of the Central Relief Society was held last night, Archdeacon H. W. Monaghan presiding. Reviewing the work of the Society, the president said that it had reached the end of its third year. During those years the Central Relief Society had done all in its power to marshall the resources of the town in ways best calculated to relieve the distress of its fellow citizens. That was the work they had set out to do. They have had the support of the public, the Press, the Borough Council and the Hospital Board, the service of some of the best business men of the town, and the help of all the churches. Methods Sometimes Criticised. “Our methods have sometimes been criticised, and the worth of our work has been questioned,” said the Archdeacon, “but your executive has not wavered in following out a policy which has won the gratitude of those most in need of help, and the approval of the vast majority of our fellow citizens. The report of the work of the past year was set out very clearly and in detail, because the Society wanted the public to know what they had done with their money in the past, and what good use they can make of what was entrusted to them in the coming year. It must be evident to all that their work was not yet done, and having set there hand to the plough they were going through to the end. After serving the Society with great ability and success, Mr W. T. Ritchie had been compelled to resign on account of ill-health, and as vicepresident, the speaker had had the privilege of being chairman for the last few months. He paid a tribute to the work of all members of the executive committee who had served the Society very willingly and very ably. The work was made much easier because they had a very capable and experienced secretary. If they searched all over New Zealand he doubted if they could find a man who would serve with the ability and devotion of Mr E. G. Cliffiin. In conclusion, he thanked the voluntary helpers who gave continued service in the depot, particularly Mr W. J. Smith, whose assistance was invaluable. He trusted that members would see their way clear to carry on the werk of the Society with steadfastness and enthusiasm until the need had passed. The adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet (previously published) was moved by Archdeacon Monaghan. Distressed Well Catered For. In seconding the motio.i, the Mayor (Mr T. W. Satterthwaite) said that the report was so full and explanatory that the general public could see what good work the Central Relief Society was doing. As the Archdeacon had said, their work had been criticised, but by reason of the people not understanding the work as members of the society understood it. “I do not know of any other town in New Zealand which is catering for tne welfare of its less fortunate citizens as Timaru,” said the Mayor. In Mr Cliffin, the Society had an excellent secretary and it also was fortunate in having such fine voluntary workers. He took the opportunity of expressing, as Mayor, his appreciation of those gentlemen who, with the president, had given so much of their time to such a fine, Christian work. It was a very difficult labour and he did not think they always received the thanks they deserved. As one who had ta’ken an interest in the work for the last 12 months, Mr R. W. Simpson said U at he could say the Society had functioned most smoothly. The unemployed realised what was being done for ihem, and ne could assure the public that the funds placed at the Society’s disposal were spent economically and to the best possible advantage. Tuc Unemployment Board did not give the unemployed sufficient to live c:i, considering that they should augment their earnings by extra work, so the necessity to find further funds rested on the society. The could not expect to receive the same support from the public as they had in the past, but they would have to make an appeal for subscriptions and he hoped it vvould be well responded to. The report and balance sheet were adopted. Election of Committee. The following members of the Management Committee automatically took office: The Mayor (Mr T. W. Satterthwaite), the Rev. J. Miiburn Stewart (Ministers’ Association). the Rev. Father Murphy, S.M., Captain Dies (Salvation Army), Messrs R. W. Simpson (Hospital Board), and R. S. Goodman (Returned Soldiers’ Association*. Tho following additional members were nominated and declared elected: Mrs M. Raymond, Archdeacon Monaghan, Messrs G. McKessar, J. W. Fair, W. J. Smith, G. D. Virtue, C. S. Hammond, W. G. Tweedy. Messrs J. Leggott and S D. Mason were appointed auditors tj the Society. Votes of thanks were accorded Archdeacon Monaghan, foi his services as president, and all whj had assisted the Society in its work.