BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2039, 6 September 1880, Page 3

BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.

The usual weekly meeting of the committee was b.6ld this morning at eleven. Present— His Worship the Mayor (in the ohair), Messrs W. S. Mitchell (Hon. Sec), W. Pratt, J. T. Brown, H. Thomson, H. W. Packer, J. G. Hawkeo, J. A. Bird, and J. W. Morton. A apology fer non-attendance was made for Mr Ollivier, also, through illness, from Mr Bosewarne.

The Mayor said he had received nothing whatever during the week. The balance at their disposal at Bank was £l6 7s, which could not be reckoned as an asset against the accounts presented for payment, as that sum was owing for advertisement accounts and caretaker. The accounts rendered were £sl lis 7d, so that in reality the association wero that much in debt, without means to pay the same. The donation box contained only two buttons.

The caretaker's report showed that the following donations had been received during the week—A Friend, 1 coat; Messrs Heywood & 00. 13 tins preserved meat; a Friend, 2 hats; Mr H. O. Adams, 1 ton of coals; Mr J. G. Hawkes, 2 parcels second hand clothing. Messrs Oulliford, Bisewarne, Langdon and Judge, Greig, and Moore and Hopkins had supplied stock meat for the kitchen. The goods received on account of the Association were—From Hobday and Co., 82 yards calico ; Mr J. T. Brown, 1 ton coals. The amount of relief during the week was as follows— bags coal, 16 bags potatoes, 74 yards fUnnel, 12 pairs boots, 44 yards calico, 7 pairs blankets, 4 single blankets, 110 lbs. oatmeal, 96 lbs. rice, 43 lbs. sngo, 24 lbs. flour, and some clothing. Soup, 14 gallons daily, 16 4 lb. loaveß bread daily. Ist relief, 17; 2nd do, 8j 3rd do, 12; 4th do, 4; sth do, 7 ; 6th do, 1; total 49. Having heard of families receiving relief (but no names mentioned) where the husbands are in constant work, the caretaker suggested that all future applications should be received through the olergy of the district, or visited if unknown to the committee. The requirements were coals, rice, oatmeal, flour, and flannel.

Mr Mitchell said, in reply to the Mayor, the stock comprised ten pairs blankets, some potatoes, a few pairs of boots, and a little calico.

The Mayor thought they must cease buying, as their funds were exhausted, and confine themselves to giving away what they had. The applicants during the past week had bean very numerous. If the association did not close altogether, it would be best to attend, say, about twice a week. As the funds were exhausted, he should like au expression of opinion on the matter. He thought one more appeal should be made to the benevolent. Mr Packer concurred, advisirg that attention bo called to the number of applications. Messrs Morton and Bird concurred, and suggested a circular appeal to the benevolent. Mr Thomson asked if they were to go on incurring liabilities. At the same time a great number in Ohristchurch, who were able to step in and aid hact given neither money nor attendance ; he was opposed to incurring any extra liabilities. He would ask were they going to sit as at present, givirg orders on tradesmen and making themselves personally liable. He would say boldly ho would not do so for one.

Mr Pratt said he thought they had better sit a little longer to distribute acock on hand and receive donations.

The Mayor thought it was needless to take persons from their business. He would sug gest that Meßsrs. Mitchell, Pratt, and himself attend to the business in future.

Mr Thomson moved—" That his Worship tho Mayor and Messrs Mitchell and Pratt be appointed a commi:tee to receive applications for the goods on hand, and give orders for distribution of same.

Mr J. T. Brown seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

Mr J. W. Morton wished the words "to coaße buying " had been added, but it was decided to leave discretionary powora in the newly-appointed committee's hand?. It was agreed " That the chairman and hon, secretary be empowered to make a special appeal to the banovolent on behalf of the soeiety—such appeal to be advertised over leader in the morning papers " Mr J. Q-. Hawkes suggested that as no doubt many single gentlemen had left off clothing they didn't know what to do with, as far as practicable they should be communicated with to donato some to the association.

After some routine business the committee adjourned. -