FLOOD RELIEF

Evening Star, Issue 20136, 28 March 1929, Page 2

FLOOD RELIEF

UNMERITED CRITICISM RESENTED FINANCIAL RESPONSE GRATIFYING

. Strong comment on the attitude towards relief workers of the recent deputation to the deputy-mayor Irom the Albany street flood meeting was made at a meeting of the Relief Committee this mom tag. There were present Messrs J. S. Dougins (chairman), F- W. Mitchell, C, Todd, E. R. Grace, S. Dunkley, G. A. Lewin, Rev. V. G. Bryan King, and G. Morcton and Mrs Baker. The deputy-mayor reported on the deputation comprising Messrs G. P. Cuttriss, D. Minnock, and J. W. Munro. M.P., which had waited on him with complaints of the relief organisation. it had been proved to the deputation that they were entirely wrong in their contentions. The Rev. V. G. Bryan King; You cannot prove that to men who are seeking publicity for municipal honours. The deputation had suggested that representatives from the Albany street meeting should have a seat on the Relief Committee, said the deputy-mayor. He had pointed out that personally ho preferred that the committee be even smaller, but any assistance in the bringing in of reports would be of service. Ho was more than pleased with the work of the social workers and others. “On behalf of the sensible citizens of Dunedin I can say that we are proud of the work being carried out.” said Mr Douglas. “ I can see no necessity for granting the request for representation. The committee is open to receive suggestions, and any cases brought under the committee’s notice will receive due attention and justice. Mr C. Todd; We shall also be pleased to receive any money which they may bring in. “ Their idea is to get on to the executive to put the spokes out of the wheel and to get publicity,” said Air F. W. Mitchell. Mr King; The committee and workers are functioning harmoniously now, and we do not want anybody to come in and cause dissension. The Rev. G. Moreton reported on a talk lie had had with Air Cuttriss. Air Moreton said he could not adequately express Jus appreciation of the most self-sacrificing labours of. those women and men who had come forward to help iu the time of need. Mr King: They have worked fourteen and fifteen hours daily. Air Moreton; Yes. And they have only gone out for a cup of tea. ‘* The workers have not_ gone home for their tea or dinner,” said All King. Air Grace: Every time I have been to the bureau the workers have been bard at work. Air Aforeton; I had to chase them home last night. _ . The committee decided not to increase the representation. A letter signed by twelve householders in Cumberland street was received. It expressed their deep thanks for the efforts and assistance of the workers and committee in their hour of need. Air Aloreton said that such appreciation was very encouraging. “ This is an answer to Air Cuttriss, said Air King. ~ , It was reported that the fund now totalled £3,386 Ss 3d. Air Alitcheli: The response is gratifying. . . * Air Douglas said the Empire Ihcatro was giving a. concert on Sunday night, and the Regent Theatre, was organising a combined concert lor the following Sunday. A suggestion that free use of the trams should bo given to workers on relief duty was noted by Air Douglas. Air King reported that ten men. bad been dismissed from work at the reservoir after one day’s engagement, yet it was reported that thirty men were being taken on by the city engineer. , ~ 'The Chairman promised to reler the matter to the city engineer. . Air Douglas said that he had informed Sir Joseph Ward that the citizens would endeavour to meet all claims themselves, and no Government grant would be applied for unless necessary. The Prime Alimster had commended the fine spirit shown. A claim amounting to over £33 (including that' for linoleums) was forwarded by a St. Andrew’s street shopkeeper. , , , Air Todd said the cleaning up had cost tornd firms £SOO. He could not sec how claims could be entertained from shopkeepers. Air King: Linoleums should not perish with a little water. Aluch of the linoleum has ben perishing lor ten It was reported by Air Aloreton that £502 13s 5d had been received at the bureau. Five hundred cases had been recorded, eighty-four having been dealt with since Alonday. The number of mattresses supplied was 369, while 339 pairs of blankets had been distributed. Thousands of garments had hen supplied. it was reported that supplies of disinfectant could be obtained iree of charge, supplied by the Health Department, from the old lire Brigade Station. Air Dunkley reported that 4-13 coal orders had been attended to. Airs Baker said the St. ClanWomen’s Club members had offered to care for six families throughout the winter by sewing, etc., for them. This commendable move could well be adopted by other similar organisations. INVESTIGATING THE TROUBLE STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER. Ycsterdav afternoon the Prime Alinister (Sir Joseph Ward) was motored around the areas in the north end ot the city which were damaged by the recent flood. ’The party' included too deputy-mayor (Air J. S. Douglas), the local medical officer of health (Dr Crawshaw), members of the Flood Relief committee, and representatives of the Dunedin City Ratepayers AssociaThe dispute between the local bodies in controlling the Leith was pointed out to Sir Joseph by the representatives of the Ratepayers’ Association, who suggested that legislation should he introduced vesting the whole control in the City Council. Sir Joseph said that the town had undoubtedly suffered a great loss. They must endeavour to prevent a recurrence of the flooding, and, with that object in view, he was prepared to set up a commission of engineers to come to Dunedin, inspect the locality, and submit a report.