SOUP KITCHEN AND WINTER RELIEF DEPOT.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1956, 1 June 1880, Page 3

SOUP KITCHEN AND WINTER RELIEF DEPOT.

In response to an advertisement from the Mayor of Ohristchurch, a meeting of gentlemon interested in the above object took place at the City Council Chamber, yesterday afternoon, at 4 o'clock. There was a large attendsr.ee, including the P.-imate, tho Dean of Ch-istcharoh, Revs. E G. Penny, H. C. M. Watson, E. A. Lingard, Mortimer, T. Flavell, W. A. Pascoe, A. Reid, T. R. Fisher, Messrs L. E. Nathan, Dann, Hobday, W. Pratt, H. W. Packer, W. M. Maskell, H. Thomson, J. G. Hawkes, J. E. March, J. H. Twsntyman, J. W. Morton, Rosewarne, J. E. Parker, Ohorrill, J. A. Bird, Mouldey, Forster, and others.

Ihe Mayor of Ohristchurch presided, and after introducing the business said his idea was, not to oonfino the relief to the mere issuing of soup alone, but to issue, when neoessary, bread, oatmeal, potatoes, and coals, mating, except in extreme cases, a small charge, so that the recipients should not feel paupe.ieed by receiving relief. He had received a letter from a person accustomed to the management of a soup kitchen elsewhere, which he would read to them. He read a list of donations received and promised amounting to upwards of £l4O, which sum included a chequo for £25 from Mr G-. Gould, with an intimation that, if needed, another cheque would follow. [Cheers.] Mr J. W. Morton suggested the formation of " The Ohristchurch Charitable Belief Committee," the old post-office to be the place for receipt and distribution, naming Messrs W. R. Mitchell and W. Pratt as secretary and treasurer.

The Primate moved—" That a society be formed for relieving the wants of those in actual need by the distribution of food, clothing, and fuel, and in such other way as may seem desirable to the committee of management."

The Rev. H. C. M. Watson moved—" (1) That this society bo called the Ohristchurch Benevolent Society. (2) That its objects be to relieve the aged, infirm, disabled, and destitute—fa) By reoeiving and maintaining in a suitable building, suoh us may be most beneficial, by being inmates of the asylum. (2>) By giving outdoor relief in kind to families and individuals in temporary want, (c) By affording medical aid and medicine, (d) By finding suitable employment for the unemployed, (c) By providing at a cheap rate the nece-saries of life to those who are in temporary distress." A long discussion ensued, in which hope was expressed that whatever was done it would not assume such proportions as to justify the Government in withdrawing all aid. Ultimately the following resolution was carried—" In view of the expected distress among tho poor this winter a benevolent society be formed to supplement the Government Charitable Aid for the purpose of relieving tho wants of those who are actually in need, by the distribution of food, clothing, and fuel, and in such other ways as may appear desirable to the committee." A committee was chosen to carry out the resolution, consisting of the Mayor, Messrs Rosewarne, J. W. Morton. J. A. Bird, L. B. Nathan, H. Thomson, W. M. Maskell, W. R. Mitchell, secretary, and W. Pratt, treasurer. The first meeting will be held at the old Post office at ten o'clock this morning.