MEN’S SHELTER

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 445, 28 May 1937, Page 4

MEN’S SHELTER

STILL REQUIRED Work Of Committee Although less than half the number of men used the unem. ployed shelter during the year ending May 28, 1937, as compared with the previous year, the opinion was expressed at the annual meeting of the controlling committee this morning that tiie shelter was still required. Present were: Rev. K. J. McFarland (chairman), Rev. C. O. Hallwood. (secretary), Rev. J. Patsreon, Adjutant Eichler, Mrs M. T Phillips (Hospital Board), Mrs R. Marsh (welfare officer). Since May 29, 1938, 34 men had, officially used! the shelter, compared with 84 last year, and 125 the previous year, stated the annual report. Members of the commitee could, readily judge that improved economic conditions Jiad shown their effect in the decreased use of the shelter, but even the figure of 34 for the year fus'tifled the existence of the shelter, and of the committee, otherwise 34 men would have been a direct charge on the Hospital Board or individuals of the town. Two lots of wood had been purchased during the year at a total coat of £1 ss. also candles, soap, mop, and sewing twine. The Hospital Board had supplied 86 meals. Their offer at the beginning of the year to grant £1 for firewood was appreciated, but with the Borough Council’s donation of £5 further money was not required. Members of the committee were reminded that they could visit the shelter at any time. The thanks of the committee were extended to the Police for their regular supervision. The balance-sheet showed that out Of Jhe donation of £5 from the Borough Council, £1 13s :>d had been spent, leaving a credit balance of £3 6s 3d at the end of the year. Expense Not Great. Mr McFarland said that the decline in tbs number ot men u-ing the shelter was, a very healthy sign as far as lhe community was concerned, but at the same time he did not consider that there was any occasion to think that the shelter was no longer required. People were still passing through the town, and there should be a place to accommodate them. The expense was not so gr-.-at as to warrant the committee finishing its work. '“I think it is still very necessary to have a shelter,” said Mrs Phillips “We will always have a succosibn of men passing through the town who would otherwise be stranded.” Mr Paterson sgsd that a great many men were going into private work and there might be more casual men on the road. The decline was not necessarily a sign of good times, as when men were getting sustenance they had to stay where they were located. It was resolved that letter® of thanks be sent to the Borough Council and the Police. Mr Hailwood was re-elected secre. tary of the committee.