WOUND UP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20669, 6 March 1937, Page 21 (Supplement)

WOUND UP

TIMARU RELIEF SOCIETY FUNDS HANDED TO MAYOR A decision to wind up the Timaru Central Relief Society was unanimously reached by members at the annual meeting held last night. Mr R. W. Simpson presided. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, Mr Simpson referred to the great loss the town and the society had suffered by the death of the former Mayor (Mr T. W. Satterthwaite). It was fortunate that Timaru had a worthy successor to Mr Satterthwaite in Mr P. C. Vinnell, who had also taken a very keen interest in the society’s work. Referring to the services rendered oy the society the chairman explained that the turnover during the six years was £54,473. As trustees for the money the society could claim to have faithfully carried out the trust. It was very pleasing to know that their services had been appreciated by the unemployed, several letters having been received from them. Appreciation of the very fine work that had been carried out by the secretary (Mr E. G. Cliffin) was expressed by Mr Simpson. Mr Cliffin and his staff had proved invaluable. Thanks were extended also to the committee, especially Mr W. J. Smith, who had been a tower of strength for many years. The honorary work performed by the auditors (Messrs J. Leggottand S. D. Mason) was also much appreciated.

The motion was seconded by Mr W. G. Tweedy, who said it had been a source of satisfaction to him as a member of the committee to know that the society’s work had been generally appreciated in the town. The organisation had been very thorough, and the fact that matters had progressed so smoothly reflected credit on the chairman and secretary. The motion was carried without discussion. Proposal for Future The following motion was submitted by the chairman: “That the society be wound up and the credit balance in hand (£373/3/1) together with certain goods in stock, be given to the Mayor of Timaru for the relief of necessitous cases.” The chairman explained that the management committee agreed that the motion should be presented. Conditions had improved chiefly as a result of increased sustenance allowances. The expenditure by the society in April, 1936, was £509/8/4 as against £l5B/14/4 in January this year. It was generally held by the public that it was the Government’s duty to make better provision tfor the unemployed, and as that was being done there was not the same necessity for the society. Opinions were held by prominent citizens that if the society should continue it should be run by a purely honorary staff. The Management Committee saw the difficulty of this being done, as from experience they knew the advisability of investigating cases for which assistance was sought. Much of the work of this investigation must fall upon the secretary, and they could see little probability of securing anyone who would accept such a position without a salary, and who could provide an office as the headquarters of the society. Mr Simpson explained that he had interviewed the Timaru Ministers’ Association ,who agreed that the time had come for the closing of the society. The Association considered that some permanent form of relief organisation should be in existence and the Association was prepared to act as an advisory committee for the purpose. It was suggested that the secretarial and executive work should be done through the Town Clerk’s office. Father Smyth had been interviewed, said the chairman, and he agreed with the suggestions.

The motion was seconded by M. W. Craig. The job during the last six years, he said, had not been pleasant for the committee or the people who were called on to subscribe and he was glad that at last there was a Government which was prepared to shoulder its responsibility. Anxious to Co-operate The fact that the ministers were anxious to co-operate with the Mayor was mentioned by the Rev. E. Llywelyn Williams, who asked for information regarding future policy. The Mayor explained that he was not prepared to accept responsibility for personal investigation of cases, but he would co-operate wholeheartedly with any body of workers set up for the purpose. He did not want to shelve his share of the responsibility as it was his duty to give every possible support. Mrs F. A. Raymond recalled the services of the Mayor’s Coal and Blanket Fund Committee which, she said, did excellent work before the Relief Society came into existence. The motion was carried unanimously. A comprehensive vote of thanks was accorded all who had assisted the society. Mr J. M. Dunne spoke of the wonderful work that had been accomplished as a result of voluntary effort. It was decided that a public meeting be called with a view to forming a committee to undertake future work. Mr Tweedy thanked the Mayor for the consideration he had given the matter and assured him of the support of past workers.