CLOTHING FOR BELGIANS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 May 1917, Page 6

CLOTHING FOR BELGIANS.

AN EAENEST APPJZAL. "". j ; Following is a copy of >a letter received' this week by Mrs. C, H. Burgess irom the British section of the Belgian Official Relief for Refugees in France (formerly known as Lady. Harvey's) fund in aid of mothers and creches): — Dear Mrs. Burgees,—As my sister is Btill very far from strong, I am writing ty thank you, and all the New Plymouth Guilds, most warmly in her name, in that of the committee., and of my own, for the help you have given us. We are most grateful for the four cases—three of clothing and one of bedding. They have taken a long time to deliver—shortige of labor accounts, for much of this. ! We are now awaiting the other cases ; you mention as coming to us. The need continues to be very great, and will be after tho war is over, whenever that will be—a victorious peace and no other i<! possible. The end—well, (Providence alone decides that question, but because we know Might, Truth and Justice must succeed in the long run, so has one the ! inward assurance that in the long ru» the Allies will win.

But the dire struggle is not over yet, so it means that the Belgian, population must continue to suffer and suffer until the day dawns when their country again becomes free to them. Therefore I venture to continue to appeal and appeal, knowing that every garment we send is eagerly and gratefully made use of. Madame Helleputte worke daily and personaly at her depot so that we know that everything sent is well distributed;

It just means this; the more you can send us, the more the fund is able to send over the assistance to these poor people. Men's clothes are also equally acceptable, in fact all. I am writing separate letters to the girls who have worked so splendidly for us—we do appreciate it, and I will send a copy of your letter to Madame Helleputte, which tells ofHheir work.—With renewed warm thanks, believe me, yours sincerely, ALICE OLIPHANT HURRAY, Co-president and Organiser.

The following is'an extract from a letter from her Excellency Madam Hellapuf.te, Le Havre:— Dear Madam,—The London mail has arrived, and we have just finished the unpacking of the previous gifts you have sent, and I have to thank you again very warmly. If I may express a wislj, it is that for the moment we are without warm clothing for women, children and boys and girls from 1 to 14 years. Everything arrived in perfect order and excellent condition, apd was extremely uSoful. I thank you for thinking of us for the future, and still more for what you have done for the poor Belgians in France as well as all those who have joined in your efforts to aid us. Monsieur Schollaert, President of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, Le Havre, also writes:— We have received with great satisfaction the packages mentioned in your letter of last mpjith. Everything arrived in good order, and will be of the greatest use to us in relieving the unfortunate.—With our best thanks ,1 am, yours sincerely, L. Schollaert.