HELPING THE UNEMPLOYED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 139, 15 June 1931, Page 6

HELPING THE UNEMPLOYED

r pHE action taken by the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Y.M.C.A. and the co-operation of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union in inaugurating a pound scheme is an excellent response to the “Chronicle’s” appeal on behalf of the unemployed of the City of Wanganui. The women’s organisations who have thus moved have set an example for prompt action which it is confidently believed will be quickly followed by other organisations. Food is the first necessity and the organisation of food distribution to the needy is the first consideration. The public should get behind the scheme being launched by Mrs Hare and support it consistently. There is further work to do, however, in that children require clothing. A scheme will have to be worked out to deal with this phase of the problem. A generous band of women are helping Mrs Dexter to supply the needy to whom she ministers, but the presence of a wider effort is required to cope with the problem as it now exists. Further, the Government’s intentions in regard to Wanganui should be made known. Has it made any provision for food supplies? It is understood to be holding 6,000 carcases in the Wanganui works for distribution to the unemployed. If it has then let the extent of the scheme it proposes to carry out be made known, so that there will be no overlapping of Government and private endeavour. The “Chronicle” believes that the citizens of Wanganui and the residents of the surrounding district will respond to the present occasion and prove that in adversity we are all of one kin. The ladies have taken the lead, it is now up to the men to follow suit.