CLOTHING FOR THE BELGIANS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1872, 3 September 1918, Page 3

CLOTHING FOR THE BELGIANS.

APPEAL FROM LONDON. The secretary of the Ladies’ Guild has received the following letter from Mr Joseph Navanx, honorary secretary of the Society formed for the purpose of clothing Belgian destitute civilians in.London;— “Knowing the deep interest taken by the members of the Foxton Ladies’ Patriotic Guild in the welfare of our unhappy compatriots, and remembering with gratitude the generous help they have previously given to our Fund, I venture again to appeal to you to ask you to lie good enough to bring our great need to their notice once more, for the sake of the suffering Belgian children and those poor people in our occupied country, who are at the mercy of their cruel oppressors. Further contributions are urgently needed in order to carry on the work we are doing, and anything yon may be able to do for ns will he much appreciated. Undergarments are wanted for the Belgian children, also hoots and shoes, which, I am Sony to say, are exceedingly scarce. These are now rarely found in our parcels and we are therefore collecting funds for the purchase of some little hoots and shoes to send over with the children’s clothing. All through the winter‘and spring we have been able to send clothing forward for the large number of Belgian children in both Franco and Holland, where they are still arriving at intervals. The condition of these little ones, particularly the last four or live months, plainly shows the great privations they have endured. Besides being in need of clothing, many are so weak that time is required before they are (it to be sent on to the Homes. We are also sending to the Creches for the Belgian infants, whore very sad conditions prevail for our poor -people. In many purls of the Country the inhabitants are reduced to dire straits for the want of clothing, and some poor souls have scarcely a garment to their hacks. Nevertheless they continue steadfast and uncomplaining, firm in their faith in their brave Allies, and looking forward patiently to the great day of deliverance from their bondage. Tim clothing we are able to scad them through neutral co-operation brines not only much-needed comfort, hut also moral summit in the knowledge that they are not forgotten in all their misery. Hoping that our appeal will once more find an echo in your heart, and again thanking you for assistance in the past.”

The Guild intends forwarding a. case'of clothing on Friday next in answer to (he above appeal, and will he pleased to receive gifts of sec-ond-hand clothing, boots and shoes, etc.