A VALUABLE WORK

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2586, 7 October 1915, Page 2

A VALUABLE WORK

RELIEF OF RESERVISTS', FAMILIES. . The ; Mayor's War Distress Committee mot', yesterday morning, There were present: The Mayor (Mr. Jl P. Luke), Messrs. C. E. Paniell (chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board), fi. Baldwin (chairman of the Wellington Hospital Board), Mostin (Labour Department), W. Gronfell (Employers' Association), E. C. Jack (New Zealand Farmers' Union), and the Rev. W. A. Evans. Mr. L. M. A. Rearden (Trades and Labour Council) was unabld to attend. . •

The committee sanctioned the giving of relief in amounts whicli total £73 3s. 3d. • . ■

Since it was commenced, the committee lias paid away in rents £477 Is. 9d. Provisions, clothing, etc., have been procured at a cost of £383 6s. 3d., Tho total amount disbursed (including yesterday's votes) is £863 3s. \The number of families assisted is thirty-six, and most of them are the families of reservists. . At present eighteen' families are receiving help, mostly'by way of rent.

. "This," said the Mayor; "is one of the works i which has been of- very valuable assistance and material benefit to. those whose ordinary life was interfered with by the war. These reservists came here from tlie Old Countries, and when the war broke out they were called to the colours, and had to respond. 'Many of them, are receiving less/than the men in the New Zealand forces. The committee has been in a position to render their families substantial help, and the money has been given out ot the generosity of the public, who have responded liberally to invitations to contribute to the fund. It is pleasinp to know that l the Women and the .children .whom these men have left behind are being looked after, even though tho men did not enlist under the New Zealand Government." !