AN APPEAL.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17712, 16 May 1929, Page 9

AN APPEAL.

/ (To the Editor.) Sir,—Last winter we were anxious, therefore we appealed for help earnestly and piteously, believing that we would then be over the worst. We were looking for belter times; we had been encouraged to think they would come, but it is not so- Winter is now upon us, and the need is as great as ever. One thousand unemployed men have registered at the Labour Bureau. The poor ye shall have with ye always, for there are the aged, sick, the widow with her children, the deserted wife, and the man who will never work again to provide for his family- In our life here we are facing grim poverty, sickness and depression, all day, every day, at our office, or in and out of their homes.

I The depression and want are pathc- . tic. We were called to a home last * week where the mother of six small children lias had influenza. She seemly ed unable to recover. The doctor said 1 all that she required was more nourishf rnenl. When we took the necessary t food and promised a further supply, 5 the husband cheerfully exclaimed, "we > shall soon have her about again when ■ she gets something inside.” Another ' case, where the doctor had told a I] nursing mother that she must wean :[ her babe. This she objected to do, s j for she said she could not afford to ! buy milk or food- Neither could she ! be sure of the baby’ getting it regu--1 larly. She had been drinking quantities of water, which had helped the I babe, but was reducing her bodily | strength daily. The mother and babe | have wonderfully improved since they have had sufficient nourishment. More and more food, meat, vegetables and warmth, is what we require to give. If possible, will you please help us to supply It. The smallest gift will give succour and warmth to those in need, and will encourage and inspire us. ' Men, women, and children are without boots or shoes- On one wet day so many called, holding up their feet to show us the holes in their boots, that at last we exclaimed, “Please do not show us your feet; we have seen so many to-day we are weary looking at them when we cannot help, for we have no boots. Call back to-morrow; there may be some sent in.” We open each parcel anxiously. Often an exclamation of Joy will be heard from one of the workers, “oh, a pair of men's boots," or perhaps some women’s singlets, nightdresses or underclothing, or, even better still, a pair of boy’s pants, some children's clothing or a blanket, all of which arc urgently needed. We have no short clothing for babes, or warm clothing for little toddlers. Wc are short of mattresses and bedding. We do pray that all who can will help us through the winter to ( supply the needs of these unhappy ! people. We are so glad to do the , work, if we can only get what is , necessary. Here, then, is a cry for -help, where . help can be given effectively, and you can lend a helping hand by looking , through your clothing and seeing what ! , you may have to spare. There is also . an excellent opportunity for young ; people to organise socials and entertainments to raise funds. Contributions in cash will he gratefully received and promptly acknowledged. Our x address is 11 Picton Street, Ponsonby. s Thanking you in anticipation.—l am, i etc., 1 ( SISTER ESTHER. h