CHRISTMAS CHEER

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20101, 3 December 1930, Page 13

CHRISTMAS CHEER

ARRANGEMENTS FOR DISTRIBUTION. CONFERENCE OF SOCIAL WORKERS. Reporters were not admitted to the conference of representatives of social organisations yesterday, convened by the Mayor (Mr J. IC. Ai-cher) to coordinate effort in connexion with the distribution of Christinas cheer, an<l the following official report has been supplied: "In response to au invitation from his Worship tho Mayor the following organisations interested in provision to the needy of food, clothing, and Christmas cheer, met yesterday aftej> noon at the City Council Chambers to discuss how best to deal with the situar tion this year. His Worship the Mayor presided, and the following organisations were represented :—- Rotarv Club by Mr A. K. Engjand and Mr F. Sandall; Returned Soldiers Association, the Rev. F. J. , Salvation Army Samaritan Office, Adjutant Combs; Savage Club, Mr C. EJones; Optimists' Club, Mr W. o. Spratt; Too H, Mr D. Turnbull; Y.W.C.A., Miss E. Bowden; Miss E. Glen ("Lady Ga.v," Sun Newspaper); Y.M.C.A. residents, Mr A. J. McEldownev; Citizens' Benevolent Association, Mr R. D. Rule; St. Martins House of Help, Rev. P. Revell; and Councillor A. Fraer. An apology was received from Staff Captain Drj, Salvation Army. , , ".Each organisation having explained to the meeting its plans for the coming Christmas, it was decided, on tlie Mayor's suggestion, that nothing should be done to interlere with the freedom of each organisation in its work but to set up a small committee consisting of his Worship the M"iyor (chairman), Cr. Fraer Rev P Revel . Mr F. Sandall, and. Mr D. Turnbull (secretary) to act as a clearing house and to assist to co-ordinate the ditterent efforts. It is realised by all concerned that the need this year is greater than the funds at P r , es ®" t antl ~ cipated will cope with, and the oon-

ference earnestly appeals to all citizens not already contributing to any of tne above organisations to send as large donations as possible to the City surer for use under the direction ot the above committee wherever the need is greatest. "At a meeting of the committee, held subsequently, it was decided to ask all those organisations represented at the conference to send lists of th© families for whom they were caring to the secretary of the committee. These lists are required before the 13th inst. To reach those who would suffer rather than ask help it was decided to ask the clergy of all denominations, all social workers, and trade unions for the names and addresses of such people. The committee would also appreciate it if any organisations giving Christmas parties to the poor of the City would communicate with the secretary, Mr D. Turnbull, care of the City Council offices, as early as possible. Private people giving parcels to certain families are asked if they would kindly notify the secretary. Discussion in the conference elicited the fact that the amount of overlapping is now. very small and can probably be practically eliminated if the committees requests as above are complied with. Social service workers were able to give assurance from their experience of the honesty and straightforwardness of the great majority of those seeking help."