RELIEF SOCIETY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19940, 26 October 1934, Page 11

RELIEF SOCIETY

MEETING OF COMMITTEE The Management Committee of the Timaru Central Relief Society ihet last night. Present: Mr J. W. Fair (chairman), Archdeacon H. W. Monaghan, Father M. A. Murphy, S.M., Messrs R. W. Simpson, W. G. Tweedy, J. P. Steven, W. J. Smith and C. S. Hammond. On the motion of Archdeacon Monaghan and Father Murphy it was decided to ask permission of the Federation of Women’s Institutes to place before their annual meeting on October 30 the needs of the Society in an endeavour to obtain the co-operation of country people. The secretary (Mr E. G. Cliffin) reported that registrations for September were 34, and. the total number operating during the month 719. The retail value of goods supplied and services rendered was £1465 16s 6d. Seeds had been purchased, and 687 packets issued. One hundred and twenty-six pairs of boots and shoes had been repaired. A system of rationing had been In operation and the quantities of supplies had been reduced so as to bring the expenditure into line with the Society's income, but the number of recipients of relief had increased. It was of interest to note that the number of registered unemployed in Timaru had reached 810, this being the largest number ever registered, exceeding last year’s total by 30. Many of these registrations were from Waitaki. Many of the recent registrations were of people who have stood off until forced to seek help. Of the 810, approximately 340 received from 27/6 to 35/- per week; 450 received 21/3 per week, and the balance were single men receiving under 10/- per week. Many of the 450 on 21/3 per week were middle aged couples whose families were grown up or were just over 16 years. The time was past when those people could be spoken of as being in the position they were in because of lack of enterprise or character. The fact of there being such a large number of married men receiving such a small allowance indicates that the amount of casual work offering was practically exhausted. The report was adopted. The financial statement showed that the Society possessed a credit balance of £1662 and, after accounts amounting to £lOl6 were passed for payment, funds amounting to £646 would be available. The chairman said that the only prospect of further funds was from the Borough Council and the Hospital Board. Accounts, amounting to £lOl6, were passed for payment.