Hokitka Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1918. RELIEF.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1918, Page 2

Hokitka Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1918. RELIEF.

A movement is afoot to raise funds for a benevolent relief fund to assist sutferers in connection with the recent, epidemic. From this source only paliatiro assistance can be given, as the fund is not likely to attain proportions to last over an extended period. In some parts of New Zealand the distress occasioned by the ravages of the epidemic is very severe. Large families in some instances are left without a breadwinner, children are orphaned, and other, extreme cases make the situation one for substantial support on an organised scale. The main fund for sueli a purpose must be a national one, and administered in a national way. Heretofore the country has never been backward in relieving distress, in a prompt and practical way when it appeared in a community in a sudden form. By flood, fire earthquake, shipwreck, or other overwhelming disaster, the country has provided thousands of pounds in a national way without delay. The epidemic has left its mark in a very severe degree, and now more than evere the help should be readily forthcoming. The obligations on tho State are- certain and sure, and must bo attended to. At the same time the State even when it attempts to be prompt, moves slowly. The relief and pension -system devised for the soldiers is a case in point. The style and method of administration is only in development-i-it is not yet perfected—although the war is over practically. In that regard the patriot tic funds subscribed by the peoplo, have and are doing a most useful part witl) intermediary relief, anticipating the Government aid, supplementing it at times or dealing with eases which are not covered completely by the four corners of the Government regulations. So in this instance local funds provided for reliet would be acceptable for utility in a like way. To assist to tide over distress till, proper organisation is set up, the response to the Mayor’s invitation would be most useful. It is not. necessary to commend such a fund in any set terms. The public realising its purpose will make si ready response. There is however the point of its administration to be carried, out in such a way as not. to duplicate or overlap what the public authorities might do. Any committee set up in connection with the local fund should work in direct touch with the authorities to achieve the best practical results. And here occurs the thought that the task of distributing relief could not be better disposedof than by leaving it to a committee of ladies to carry out. We have advocated lately the re-establishment of a Women’s Benevolent branch of the Hospital. Here js work immediately to do, and as lias been shown during the epidemic there are several ladies in our midst capable of doing the work in a fearless self-sacrificing way. If the Mayor and tho contributors to the benevolent fund now being created, called to their aid the ladies who have just distinguished themselves in the calls of humanity, they' would have a trustworthy opiumitteo, one familiar with all local cases, with a full know-,, ledge of where to go and what to do. If this were done we believe, also, tho public would show tlieir confidence in the movement by even greater liberality, being sure that the funds were used to the fullest- satisfaction. The

whole project, . from the raising of the money, to its most satisfactory administration is therefore commended to the best consideration of the public.