DORCAS SOCIETY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1994, 24 June 1919, Page 2

DORCAS SOCIETY.

The Mayor (Mr J. Chrystall) and Mr Horn blow (district representative of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board) attended, by invitation, the weekly meeting of the Volunteer Nursing He,serve last night to discuss with the ladies a suggestion made in Saturday’s Herald ' that steps should, be taken to set up a committee of ladies to assist any deserving cases of distress that may arise from time to time in the borough. There was a large attendance of ladies, and when the visitors arrived the class was busy taking notes of an interesting lecture by the president, Mrs Paine,

At the conclusion, Mrs Paine informed the class that, as a result o£ the suggestions which had appeared in the “Herald” she had asked the Mayor ami Mr Ilornblow to attend and discuss the proposal with the ladies.

ihe Mayor said that the suggestion to set up a benevolent committee was made by the Rev. Mr Harding, who had some experience of the good work done by a similar committee in another town. He had conferred with Mr Harding, who was unable to be present, and who had ■suggested that the matter should be held over until he had obtained the information concerning the working of the Thames Society. The Mayor was of opinion that the formation of ■such a society consisting of the wives of the several ministers,- and one of two other ladies, was a good suggestion, and worthy of support. The matter of investigating such cases was a delicate one, and required a wise discretion, as publicity would defeat the objects aimed at.

Mr Ilornblow said the suggestion was not his, but it had commended itself to the Mayor and their pre^-

dent, Mrs Raine. He then explained the operations of the Charitable Aid Board and the work of the Relieving Officer in dealing with eases of distress. All eases submitted to the Relieving Officer were carefully and privately investigated, and dealt with on their merits. Provision- was made in the Act to relieve 811 eases of distress and sickness. The hospitals were* open to the poor and indigent to receive the best medical skill and attention without cost. But' a society such as was suggested could supplement the Work of the Board by providing many little extras of comfort and consolation to distressed families. After some discussion it was decided to form a Dorcas Society, and an executive of nine ladies was set up. It was also agreed to organise a sowing class which would meet once a fortnight to make garments, etc. Were linancial assistance was required tins would he given special consideration. It was decided to hold over further details until fuller information was obtained by Mr Harding.