A DISTRESSING CASE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12699, 22 July 1919, Page 4

A DISTRESSING CASE.

TO THB BDITOB. Sir, —I should like, through the medium of your valuable journal, to draw the attention of the powers that bo to the poor old man who has for a lengthy period stood at the west-em entrance to the Cathedral, and in other parts of the city, and rattled a penny in a tin box to Solicit alms. I feel exceedingly sorry to know it has been nobody' 9 business to do something towards alleviating his distress permanently. With all the institutions we pride ourselves in possessing for preventing the need of begging, I think at least one might be found where the poor old cha]> could have enjoyed some of the comforts of a home- From what I know of the matter, I should think the chronic ward of a hospital, or a home for incurables (he being nearly blind would be the best place for him failing his being unable to obtain the old age pension). However, those in authority will know best what to do to: his future comfort. All lam aiming at is to get him comfortably provided-for so that he will not have to be<? his bread in our beautiful city. Apologising for stepping in where others have feared to tread.—l am, etc., ' SIDNEY H. SMITH. P.S.—He would at least he well looked after in hospital, getting from three to five meals a day, a bath and clean clothes every Friday; nice grounds to walk about in, and fellow sunerors to talk to —to say nothing of the nice nurses to cheer him up.—S-H.S.