THE POUND SCHEME.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 493, 30 June 1932, Page 11

THE POUND SCHEME.

Canvassers Now Combing the City. TO BE LAUNCHED SATURDAY. V Nearly 400 canvassers are at work in Christchurch at the present time paving the way for the launching of the Pound Scheme on Saturday. They are | waiting on householders enlisting their ! support for the scheme, which is de- ! signed to assist the unemployed over J the winter months, and suggesting gifts i that are most suitable for distribution. Foodstuffs most needed in their order of preference are: Butter, Oatmeal, tea, flour, jam or honey, dripping, sugar, golden syrup, rice, sago, tapioca, soap, candles, baking powder and barley or peas. Organisers of the Pound Scheme, preparations for which are working smoothly, state that at the moment there is a great need for clothing, mattresses, go-carts, prams and boots, and should people have gifts of this nature they can hand them to the collectors and they will find their way to the Central Depot. Work through district sub-depots will be carried out by New Brighton. Richmond, St Albans, Riccarton and Syreydon. The organis ing* work is almost completed, and the last district to come in will be that of West Christchurch, where a committee was being arranged. The ideal aimed at was for every householder to be either a giver or supply information as to deserving cases. It is not usually realised that one of the objects of the canvass of the city under the Pound Scheme is the discovering of distress. The scheme, however, is dependent for success on community-wide giving. Those who gave it support can rest assured that their gifts will be used to the best advantage, there being little overhead expenses owing to the fact ) that those holding executive positions fare voluntary workers. The depots to 1 be served by the scheme are accom- | modating 2100 families weekly, and the j pressure on the food supplies and j stores is becoming greater, it was j stated. Practically 90 per cent of the relief agencies in the city will be dependent on the scheme during the winter months. Valuable assistance in the relief of distress has been given in the past by the Mayor's Fund, and the usual grant from that source will be available during the operations of the Pound Scheme to make up any short- ! ages in supplies that might occur.