THE STARVING MILLIONS.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXIII, 1 December 1920, Page 3

THE STARVING MILLIONS.

MEETING AT OTAKI. A meeting of the general public was held at Otaki on Monday night, convened by Mr J. P. Brandon (Chairman of the Otaki Town Board) for the purpose of considering what steps to take to alleviate the suffering's of the starving children of Europe. Mr Brandon was appointed chairman, and in opening stated the mattei was one of vital importance, and urged that action should be immediately taken. It had been suggested to hold shop days, others favoured straight-out donations, but the matter was one that rested with the meeting. The question was one of national importance, and hi felt sure Otaki would do its share. Miss Bee, who has taken an active interest in the matter, said sbo had gleaned her information from tlu press, and stressed the fact that in the great starving area of Europe there was also plague. She had read in the English papers that unless something was done to alleviate the distress i; was probale that the plague would become world-wide, as the epidemic did only a few years ago. Miss Bee said from this point alone, as well as from a humanitarian standpoint, something should bo done. Pictures in the English newspapers wore heart-rend-ing. The plainest of bread was almosi unobtainable, while we in .New Zealand had more than was needed. The Rev. Petrie, in agreeing that some action should be taken, said subscriptions lists only touched a few, whereas all could help at a shop day. In this ladies could help, while others not in a position to give much money could give labour. They were present to deal with awful facts, and if they did not help they would suffer themselves. perhaps by plague, and they must answer to the appeal. The people would have to be made to open,their eyes'. Some did not realise the position that millions were dying, and that j starvation meant disease. They must l do all they possibly could to alleviate the distress. He advocated that the shop movement be engineered by the ladies. The Chairman asked if there was to lie a shap day, would it be a fair thing to the business people? Personally he was not in favour of one. Instead he favoured subscription lists and a canvass of the district ; he did not think anyone would refuse to give. Mr Davies suggested that the heads of schools and children be asked to help, and considered that if enthusiasm was aroused they would do good work. Mr J. Fielding said that during the war period good work had been done at Te Horo by a canvass of the district for farm produce, etc., which was brought into a central depot and auctioned. The canvassers were cordially received everywhere, and as a result as much us £BO was raised in one evening, while on several occasions as much as £4O was raised. He thought (lie same could be done at Otaki. Mr St. George favoured a shop day as well as a canvass for subscriptions, while the Rev. Petrie said a shop day would be no hardship on the tradespeople. Mr Nicolson suggested that Mr McMillan be approached relative to a picture entertainment, and thought an evening entertainment, as well as a | matinee for children, would be the | means of raising a substantial sum. I The above suggestions were all | strongly supported, and on the motion | of the Chairman all present were form- | ed into a committee, with power to | add to their number. Mr G. E. Davies I was appointed secretary. i The ladies agreed to meet on Friday next, and the male members on Tuesday. as advertised.