VALUABLE EFFORT

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 104, 23 December 1931, Page 4

VALUABLE EFFORT

At this season, when goodwill toward one's fellow men and thoughts of helpfulness occupy the mind, it is encouraging to remember that, without the inspiration of seasonal or other j spur except their sympathy for suffering and a desire to lighten | the Tburdens of others, there are those in the community who constantly give time, energy and thought to assisting the needy ' and distress,ed. Because much of this work is done unostentatiously and withont thought of reward except that which comes from the knowledge of a good deed well done, the public generally know little of it. This is of no importance, unless thht it may result in the loss of potential recruits for the band of workers. Many who now take no active part in the various charitable relief activities in the town would no doubt be glad of an opportunity to be helpful, did they know in what way they could be of most use. In this way an undertaking such as the community garden has a special value. There is, of course, the valuable material benefit of supplies of fresli green vegetables, but beyond these and of more lasting benefit is the cliscovery which many of those engaged in the work of cultivation must make, namely, that in helping others they also are helping themselves. Further than this, some of those engaged in the work of the gardens will have learned with surprise that it does not by any means always cost money to help either oneself or others. There is much virtue in the power of example and undoubtedly some at least of the garden workers will have felt and benefitted by this. Those who sought an opportunity will^ have found one and suggestions of how others may be made will have come to them ; while those who, perhaps, have hitherto looked upon themselves as fated to be fit subjects for a helping hand will have discovered that, after all, there are ways in which they can help themselves unfil times brighten and steady work is again available. = —