THE UNDERSTANDING HEART

NZ Truth, Issue 1183, 2 August 1928, Page 9

THE UNDERSTANDING HEART

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Christchurch [Representative.)

THROUGH the dark clouds of grief that hover over the head of Mrs- * Moncrieff, mother of Lieut. ("Scotty") Moncrieff, the ill-fated Tasman aviator, a ray of bright sunshine has revealed the silver lining. Once again "N.Z. Truth" has been the means of lightening the burden of a victim of cruel circumstance through the Dominion-wide appeal of its columns. The story of the plight of Mrs. Moncrieff (senior), which appeared m last week's issue of this paper, touched the hearts of readers, . moving them to sympathy and pity. But George Bennet, of Christchurch, while pitying the old lady, intends to give practical expression to his sympathy. Bennet was so impressed with the deserving nature of Mrs. Moncrieff's case — and also with the inadequacy of the provision made to sustain, her m her saddened life — that he has decided to stage a benefit concert m Christchurch during the third week (approximately) m August, m order to raise funds for the mother of the missing airman. Bennet, who is a traveller by occupation and lives at 520, Gloucester Street, Christchurch, is a well-known concert organizer m the city, and is noted for his efforts on behalf of deserving causes. He is m close touch with all the best musical and elocutionary talent — amateur and professional-— in Christchurch, and has from time to time organized successful concerts for charity.

A typical case was the effort he made when he heard that a lecture lantern was required for Paparua prison. Bennet- got busy — and the result was that the. lantern was obtained. He also played a very prominent part m obtaining funds for the installation of wireless receiving-sets m the Christchurch hospital and organized concerts m connection with the campaign. Bennet palled on the Christchurch representative of "N.Z. Truth" on Saturday last and outlined his intentions. "When I I'ead "Truth's* story of the hard lot of Mrs. Moncrieff (senior)," he said, "I was very much touched by the sad circumstances, and it occurred to me that here was a case m which I could do something of a practical nature to assist. • "I have decided to arrange a benefit concert, to be held m the municipal concert chamber, if available, either on August 22 or 23. I am m touch with the musical people and should be able to put on a first-class entertainment." Bennet never does things by halves. He will not be content to wait for the people to turn up on the night of the concert. He proposes putting some good men on the job beforehand to sell tickets — and if there is not a packed house it will not be his fault.

Full details will be made public by Bennet later on, when he has finalised his arrangements, but m the meantime "N.Z. Tx'Uth" congratulates him on his fine spirit and commends the concert to, the patronage of all Christchurch citizens.

Now that Bennet has given the lead, what do Wellington, Auckland and Dunedin propose doing to follow his excellent example of practiqal sympathy and do their little bit to make brighter the sad days of the mother of a gallant son, who is suffering all the agonies; of financial embarrassment m her declining years, as well as a heart bowed down with anxiety for the fate of the boy who disappeared.

The cause is a worthy pne. Who, then, will follow where Bennet baa ie£ the way? ' ' .