RELIEF OF DISTRESS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 107, 7 May 1936, Page 9

RELIEF OF DISTRESS

MAYOR’S COMMITTEE YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED the financial position. Reports covering the year’s social service operations and the year’s financial working were considered at the annual meeting of the Mayor’s Relief Committee yesterday morning. The Mayor of Wanganui. Mr. W. J. Rogers presided. “The statement of accounts presented by the treasurer, F. J. Best, discloses that the sum of £1193 9s was expended on the purchase of garments, materials etc., footwear and Christmas parcels,” stated the annual report of the secretary, Mr. F. C. Atkinson. “An amount of £l9 4s Id represented the distribution of contributions received by the Mayor for his ‘Christmas Cheer Fund’ while other allocations were made in support of the activities of various organisations carrying out relief of distress w’ork in the community. “The total revenue received into the fund for the year was £llBl 3s and, with the opening balance of £284 3s sd, the full amount at the disposal of the committee aggregated 1468 6s sd. The year just closed revealed a net credit balance of £173 3s. a further sum of £24 2s lOd remaining in the account for expenditure by way of grants authorised but unspent. The percentage of expenditure in relation to the revenue available for the year was 86.5, so that it will be observed that every consideration has been given within prudent limits to the calls made upon the reserves at the disposal of the committee. “In acknowledging donations to the fund from several local residents whose actions are praiseworthy in the extreme, I desire also to mention that certain business houses have allowed substantial discounts on the purchase of goods. As the concessions referred to far exceed ordinary trade discounts, these business men have, in effect, made contributions on a liberal scale and due to them the finances have benefited by a considerable sum. This form of giving is worthy of high commendation.” Depot Officer’s Report. “During the year 800 parcels of clothing were issued to families, a weekly average of slightly more than 15 throughout that time,” stated the depot officer, Miss M. Dexter, in her annual report. “An illustration of the contents of a parcel of clothing supplied to an average family may be of some interest to the members of the committee, and, at the same time, inform the public of the nature of our work on behalf of eases assisted. It comprises for the mother and her children, two. under-garments each of respective kinds, material for frocks, and, in addition, a pair of shorts for a boy. If the money is available, two shirts also, for boys of the family are included in the parcel. The value of an average parcel made up and supplied to a large family is £3. For the most part all the clothing is brand new, that which is second hand being in perfect order. “My warmest commendation and heartfelt thanks are due to the many ladies whose efforts in sewing for the depot manifest their sympathetic regard for and interest in the lot of many deserving people. Other kind ladies who forward anonymously parcels of •cosy garments, are deserving of our gratitude. I only wish I could express (to them in person our gratitude and say ‘thank you.’ To Miss Leigh, in charge of the ladies’ rest, whose services are of such great help, I would record gratefully in this report a word of acknowledgment. Miss Leigh in receiving parcels left at the rest for the depot, extends loyal co-operation and her help in this and ther directions I greatlv value. “I cannot close this report without once again paying tribute to the work of my assisting helpers in the depot. Mesdames C. Burr] Bevege, Wansbrough and Lee have given their services freely, cheerfully and willingly on Thursday of each week and at other times when required, for the past five years, to the requiremets of the depot, and a more loyal, devoted, efficient and enthusiastic body of cohelpers I could tootwish to have surrounding me. Throughout that period we have worked happily together and I think I may be pardoned for stating that as a result our united efforts have provided in this department of service an intelligent and considerate regard for ’thewelfare of all whose circumstances come under our notice. “I desire to thank the Mayor and my co-members on this committee for their co-operation and assistance at all timeg in meeting the needs of our work financially. My thanks are due to you. also, for many courtesies extended and for the confidence you have continued to repose in us. The experience of those associated with me in devoting considerable time in giving attention to the wants of needy people hag been as I have related, a happy one, as to realise that by our efforts many home.are cheered and the outlook brightened, can only resolve in us to carry on the ■work as long as the need exists and our services are acceptable to all concerned. ’’