"THE HELPING HAND SHOP"

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2667, 12 January 1916, Page 3

"THE HELPING HAND SHOP"

The Helping Hand shop in Nelson is carried on in aid of the New Zealand Red Cross Fund, in unpretentious premises owned by Mrs. Anstice, who has generously placed them at the disposal of the .management free'of rent. The business is controlled by a committee of ladies, who have entrusted the management to Mrs. E. O. Kelling, and Miss Ewart has been appointed cashier. Tke shop is open for the sale of goods every Thursday. There, are a large number of ladies on the rota, who assist in turn when called upon. They all . work' most assiduously, and' are keen to do business. The shop was open for the first time on November 25, and the total net receipts paid to the Red Cross Fund to date amounts to £100 2s. lOd. Owing to holidays, harvesting and other causes, business has been slack for the last two Thursdays, but it is expected to rise to normal again at an early date. All goods sold are given by residents in the city and surrounding country districts. One of the chief difficulties to be contended with is getting contributions in from the country—railage charge on small parcels being absolutely prohibitive —but arrangements are now being made to minimise this particular trouble. It is interesting to note that nearly every day the shop is open, one or more visitors quietly and unostentatiously hand in a cash donation, Explaining that they have nothing to send for siile, but desire to help to the best of their ability These cash donations are mostly small, and evidently come from people who are not overburdened with the good things of this_ world. Occasionally larger cash contributions are received, but they are like angels' visits, and quite as welcome. all these donors —many of whom are unknown to the helpers —arc most anxious that their names should not bo made public, and some of them refuse to give their names even for entry m the account books of the business. Sometimes goods are received bv post, unaccompanied any namo or indic.il.inn who tlif sender muy bo. Such in('itloiits its these nfFoi'd refreshing ovl " dance Jlui m he&era atb

any rate who desire to do their bit without seeking advertisement, or even thanks for doing so. On tho shop's list of contributories is the name of a country lady who is no longer young, in fact she is well in the eighties, but who says she is delighted to help, and backs up her statement by frequently sending choice produce from her garden for sale at the shop. _ Numerous similar incidents mi<*ht bq cited. The work of the boy scouts is invaluable in delivering parcels near and far with surprising alacrity, and they are quite insatiable in their desire to heln in every possible way. At a special meeting of the Grey District High School Committee, Mrs. Whitmore, of Whangarei, who has had a brilliant scholastic career, was recommended to tbo eommitteo to fill the position on the High School teaching staff vacated by Mr. A Talbot, who leaves with the New Zealand Reinforcements. Mrs. Whitmore's husband is now at Trentham, and leaves for the front with the next contingent. Don't make the mistake that "SYDAL" is expensive to use. It is unlike all other preparations for the skin in that it is entirely free from grease or fat in any form. A very small quantity is used each time, and a Jar will last several months. Is. 6d. spent on a Jar of "SYDAL" is well spent.—Advt. Mothers should not miss seeing our big range of tweed fancy suits, for Soys from three years to seven years. The suits have just been opened and prices range from 15s. 6d. to 225. 6d. Geo. Fowlds, Ltd., Manners Street.—Advt. Wedding Announcement.—Beautiful roses and the choicest of flowers only are used when designing wedding bouquets, which I make a speciality of. Packed and forwarded through the Dominion. Miss Murray, Vice-Regal Floriste, 36 Willis Street. —Advt. Ladies!!!— Don't forget Herb. Price's Salo of Men's Wear. Nine cuivs only.— Advt.