Benevolent Association.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7177, 30 May 1891, Page 4

Benevolent Association.

•- — [From the Lyttelton Timet, j A few years ago Christchurch had fo Benevolent Association, well organised and well conducted, to act in the judicious distribution of private benevolence. Christchurch also had its Hospital Sunday, set aside by the ; churches irrespective of creed ; a day on which contributions were made to a fund for the comfort and relief of destitute patients. A beginning had been made, too, with the Hospital Saturday, a day when wageearners and non-church goers had a special opportunity to minister : to the needs of suffering humanity. | The Hospital and Charitable Aid Act killed these institutions. But although charity and the law appear to be as wide apart as the poles, we hope and believe that the virtue which is above all others is only dormant. There is talk of reviving the Benevolent Association, and why should we not revive the Hospital Saturday and Sunday too ? In Sydney the other day there was a great demonstration by the Friendly Societies in the interests of the various hospitals of .he city and suburbs, and the men who assembled subscribed nearly .£2OO. In Melbourne, also, the people realise that one of the duties devolving npon them is to help those who, by reason of sickness or accident, are nnable to help themseles. Is our generosity less in proportion than that of Sydney or Melbourne? We think not, bnt it remains for some one to give our charity the awakening touch.