DRIFTING ABOUT.

Waipawa Mail, Volume L, Issue 105, 29 May 1929, Page 3

DRIFTING ABOUT.

PROBLEM OF WAR RELIEF. DANNEVIRKE, Last night. “We again express regret,” states the annual report of the Dannevirke branch of the Hawke’s Bay War Relief Association, “at the large number of New Zealand returned men and overseas soldiers who are drifting about, seeking help at most patriotic offices on the road. They are of the derelict type and most unsatistory eases. These men are a difficult problem for patriotic offices, and it is pleasing'to note that the head office of the R.B.A. at Wellington is seeking data regarding these cases, with the idea of formulating a scheme whereby some of these men may be saved and helped on their way to become useful citizens. We are always kind and considerate to these cases, and never refuse to give them food and a night’s lodging.” At March 31st, the branch had made 461 loans, amounting to £38,251 10s, and there were still 133 loans in existence. Up till that date, £79,491 9s 9d had been disbursed by the branch, and 1558 returned men and dependents had received monetary assistance, an average of £sl, grant or loan. The sum of £38,959 4s 3d had been refunded, an average of £25 per recipient.