RELIEF OF DISTRESS.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18341, 29 May 1931, Page 6

RELIEF OF DISTRESS.

THE WORK IN HAMILTON. WELFARE LEAGUE ACTIVITIES. FURTHER MEASURES DISCUSSED. The very real distress which exists in Hamilton to-day was strikingly illustrated by the Welfare Officer, Mr ■R. P. Kilham, at the general committee meeting of the Waikato Social Welfare League, held last night. In quoting figures bearing on the w'ork of the League during the past eleven months, Mr Kilham mentioned that since July 5 of last year 735 cases, an average of over 66 a month, have received assistance and attention. During the present month 90 cases, in which 161 were directly or indirectly concerned, have so far come before his notice, and clothing has been distributed to 64, food to 15, blankets 10 four, firewood to three, and beds to two, while lodging has been provided for 15. Mr Kilham further stated six men came to him yesterday afternoon seeking accommodation for the night. Speaking of the finances of the League, Rev, W, H, Hocking, asking through which channels, other than the columns of the press, income was derived.

Rev. L, M, Rogers said that subscriptions were solicited in the town, In this way between £7O and £BO had keen raised.

The Very Rev. G. R. Barnett, Dean of Hamilton, voiced the opinion that the question of revenue should be fully considered in connection with the policy of the League, so that some decision for the future could be reached. The impression w r as abroad that the Welfare League had been formed to administer the combined resources of the Churches of Hamilton, and so proteot the religious bodies from being defrauded by unscrupulous persons. The speaker considered that the churches had not given their fullest support to the League in the matter of finance. If they could not guarantee any definite contribution, they should assist in some other way. Rev. W. H. Hocking said that the Methodists in Hamilton had a benevolent fund, and he was sure that if the other churches were pooling their relief funds, the Methodists would follow suit. Central Organisation Essential. Mr E. P. Cowles said that at a previous meeting the question of combining all relief work was discussed in a general way, and after the borough election His Worship the Mayor, Dr. F. D. Pinfold, was approached in the matter. He had been emphatic in stating that a central organisation was essential. Mr A. E. Manning said that the whole idea, from the beginning, was that a central body should be set up. The scheme that he had in mind was this:' All churches should contribute a certain sum, if possible, and all sports bodies and businessmen should give a donation each year, not for one year only, but at least three. That was the basis of the Welfare League —an assured Income. Such a body could not be carried on without finance, and until the Welfare League was placed on a sound financial basis its activities would be restricted. Rev. L. M. Rogers mentioned that the Mayor, Dr. F. D, Pinfold, had signified his intention to take a real Interest in the work of the League, and to recognise It as the central rebof organisation in the district. in order that a new scireme of greater activity and more effective relief measures can be inaugurated, Mr E. P. Cowles moved that the League’s year end on May 31 and that the annual meeting be held in St. Peter’s Hall on Monday, June 22. The motion was carried. ' Mr R. P. Kilham reported that lie had been approached by several organisations and individuals who desired to assist the Welfare League in its work. Mr E. P. Cowles moved that sports bodies and associations be circularised and asked to send representatives to the annual meeting of the League. This was approved. The question of eligibility for assistance was next discussed. Mr R P. Kilham quoted the case of a man who was unable to pay the unemployment levy, and was thus debarred from obtaining relief work. This man, he stated, was wandering around the streets. Another case was that of two young men who came seeking beds. The speaker considered that Ihese cases did not oome -within the scope of the Welfare League, but rather, should be attended to by the Charitable Aid Board. He asked for the attitude of the League towards such cases. Mr E. P. Cowles said that the possibility of securing cheap lodgings should be investigated. He was sure that there were many people who had sheds which could be fitted with comfortable beds. The chairman, Rev. H. G. Gilbert, referred to the work done by Mr Kilham as Welfare Officer, and said that thanks were due to him for stepping into the breach when his services were most required.