SUPPORT FOR THE APPEAL.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20499, 18 March 1932, Page 7

SUPPORT FOR THE APPEAL.

POLITICAL LEADERS COMMEND EFFORT.

"I know that the people of Christehurch will live up to their very high reputation for generosity to worthy causes in the street appeal for the Mayor's Relief Fund." These words from the Mayor of Christehurch, Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., were broadcasted from Station 3YA last night, on relay from the Prime Minister'? room in the Parliamentary Buildings at Wellington. The Mayor, the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes), the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr 11. E. Holland,. M.P.), all spoke through the microphone ia a final appeal to Christehurch citizens to give their fullest support to the street appeal to-day.

"Every religious denomination and every social class have co-operated to make the appeal a success," said Mr Sullivan, in his short address, "and 1 sincerely hope that the collection will be a record one for Christehurch. The money contributed will be wisely spent and carefully administered to the most deserving cases." Mr Sullivan outlined the dire need for relief in the City, emphasising the difficulties that would be sure to be met with in the . coming winter. He thanked his Excellency the GovernorGeneral for his donation to the fund | and all who. were helping in any way to make the effort the success it deserved to be. He also expressed thanks to the Hon. Adam Hamilton for arranging with the Broadcasting Board for the speeches over the air. | The Prime Minister. "When your Mayor asked me to say a few words on the eve of your street collection for the assistance of those who are feeling the stress of hard circumstances, I thought it. my duty to do all that I could to assist in the appeal," said the Prime Minister, in opening his address. "These are, without precedent, the most difficult times New Zealand has ever experienced, and the unhappy fact that so many are unemployed means that there must be a great deal of dire distress among the people. We must see that they can be assisted' only by the support and co-operation of all those in better circumstances. "I appeal to all Christehurch citizens to do their utmost to make ' tomorrow 's collection a success. When I consider the aims and objects, of the scheme I feel sure that every penny you contribute will be put to the best possible use, and I think that it is the plain duty of every citizen to assist in this practical manner. "I know that the people throughout the Dominion will give of their best and show a wonderful sympathy and kindness in these to help those of their fellow? who are feeling the pinch. Such a showing of practical aid will give those out of work the knowledge thati they have the sympathy of those who are more fortunately placed than themselves. I wish to-morrow's collection every possible success." Need for Private Organisation. The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates said that lie was very glad to associate himself with the appeal. There was no need for him to reiterate the words of the Prime Minister, for everybody was aware that there was very real distress among many sections of the community and that there was a vital need for assistance. "Ours is a real responsibility, and we recognise it," said Mr Coates, "Tbut, when all official action has been taken, there is an ever-present need for private organisation and individual effort to relieve the v situation. In many ways these appeals and the splendid work of private people are more valuable than anything that can be done officially. . "It is not easy for most of us to. increase our responsibilities at the present time. Most are faced with a decreasod income, but I am confident that the people of Christehurch will give as they are able to this most worthy cause." Co-operation Necessary. "I willingly join with your Mayor, the Prime Minister, and Mr Coates in urging the 'fullest measure of support for the Mayor's Fund," said Mr H. E. Holland. "Whatever we may think of the political situation and whatever views we may hold with regard to present conditions, we are all faced with the need for direct and collective action in this vitally important matter —the provision of adequate relief for those in poor circumstances. Work towards this, end brings the whole community together. "To-day we have such widespread suffering that all elements of society should join in an effort to meet those who are faced with unemployment and want. Personally I think that the Mayor and City Council of Christehurch, and those social workers taking part in the appeal, deserve the heartiest congratulations of all. in their endeavour to raise funds for the alleviation of the existing distress. 1 hope that the efforts of the collectors will meet with the greatest possible support from the community. When practical aid takes the form of a public collection all are able to assist those who most need help. I join with the others in wishing , tho coilectors the fullest measure of success in their efforts to-morrow/