WORK OF N.Z. SMITH FAMILY

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 184, 1 May 1940, Page 7

WORK OF N.Z. SMITH FAMILY

War Distress Cases

RECORD OF SOCIAL SERVICE

A review of social work done during I lie year was contained in the report of tlie New Zealand Smith Family Joy Spreaders, presented at the annual meeting on .Monday. The report slated that assistance had been given in eases of sickness or bereavement to old age pensioners and to distress arising out of war conditions. The latter fell into four classes, as under:—

1. Men who, having been accepted by the Army, were found medically unlit after they had been on final leave. Most of these men sold or gave away their civilian clothing, and bad nothing but their uniforms, which they had to return before drawing the balance of pay due to them.

2. Wives and dependants of soldiers in eamp. These were not eligible for assistance from patriotic funds till the men bad gone overseas. Assistance had been given to enable the women to adjust themselves to their changed circumstances.

3. Single girls who required guidance and assistance.

■l. Wives and dependants who were eligible for relief from the Soldiers’ Financial Assistance Board. There was some unavoidable delay by the board in dealing with those applications, and assistance was frequently urgently needed (while applications were being considered). This was supplied by the Smith Family. The report said this work was conducted on strictly confidential lines, and therefore women who needed assistance should apply promptly when their cases would be fully considered by the Smith Family woman investigator. Cases of Eviction. Many cases of eviction were dealt with, temporary accommodation being found and, hi many cases, homes secured for applicants. In addition, scores of cases were handled where advice and direction were required. The issue of used clothing and boots had ceased, but a tailor and bootmaker were still employed in repairs, principally for old age pensioners. The report went on to state that the' traveling library, which, circulated thousands of books Io relief camps during the depression, had been suspended. and tlie books and magazines sent to the Army. The mothers’ rest scheme was still operating, 25 women having been sent to selected homes in the country or the seaside for periods of from two to six weeks. During the past year the. Smith .Family took an active part in raising funds io enable the Citizens’ Day Nurseries to secure a building suitable for their needs. Because of the generosity and assistance of Smiths the nursery was now assured of a suitable building which would soon be ready for occupation. The annual report and balance-sheet were adopted, and ollicers elected.