DISTRESS IN TEMUKA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19827, 16 June 1934, Page 19

DISTRESS IN TEMUKA

MAYOR’S RELIEF COMMITTEE

CANVASS TO BE MADE

■ Representatives from the majority of ' local bodies attended a meeting of the Mayor's Relief Committee at the Te- ■ muka Council Chambers last evening, when a decision was made to canvass both town and country residents for assistance, financially and otherwise, towards the relief of distress, and at a later date, to conduct a shop day at Temuka. The Mayor (Mr A. W. Buzan) presided and stressed the urgent need for some action towards immediate relief for necessitous cases. During the discussion which followed, several suggestions were considered, it being generally agreed that a canvass of residents produced the most satisfactory results. Adjutant Brown proposed that the “pound scheme” as successfully operated in other centres be given a trial. It would be necessary to take round cards which residents would sign, promising to give so many pounds of groceries or produce, which would be collected the following week. Mr D. B. Muir was in favour of a subcommittee endeavouring to obtain 200 people who would be willing to donate £1 a month for three months. He considered the collecting of produce a slow matter and the committee should aim at something big. That the unemployed should be invited to conduct the whole of the canvass, as a more direct appeal to the public, was the opinion expressed by Mr W. P. Evans. The Rev. C: L. Mountfort suggested that the public be asked to offer a day or two days’ work a month.

Committees Set Up. After further discussion the followin committees, with power to add, wei appointed to carry out the canvass Country, Messrs A. Bisdee, C. Stanle; L. Bussell, the Revs. R. L. Brooks, C. 1 Mountfort, C. A. Kennedy and Adjut ant Brown. Town—The Mayor, Met dames Shand, Keys, Hewson, Miss Pet guson, Messrs W. P. Evans, D. B. Mui: J. King, A. R. Beck and L. Butters. Mr C. Stanley moved, and Mr C. I Fraser seconded, that a card system c canvassing be adopted. The motio: was carried. The Mayor stated that the Relie Committee had sufficient funds to con tinue until the canvass was made. Need For Blankets. The urgent need of the unemployei for blankets was emphasised by Messr A. D. Martin and H. Mallett. Mr Mui suggested that the money in hant should immediately be spent on thi purchase of blankets. In reply to the Rev. Brooks, Mr Martin stated that 700 pairs of blanket: were required. Mr Muir moved that £3O of the existing funds be spent on blankets, Mi Evans remarking that the amount wai not sufficient. He would favour £45 being spent. The Rev. Father C. J. Outtrim questioned the right of the meeting to take such a step. It could only recommend the proposal to the executive. Those present had come to assist in raising money, not to spend it.

Mr J. King supported these remarks. It was agreed that it be a recommendation to the executive that £45 be expended on blankets tor necessitous cases, and that the present executive continue in office.