GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Volume I, Issue 77, 11 September 1878, Page 3

GERALDINE.

Benevolent Aid. It is a fact apparent to all observant people that the increase of population during the last few years has added greatly to the number of poor and destitute people who require aid from some source or another to enable them to live. The Government of this country up to the present time has granted a sum of money annually for the relief of urgent cases of poverty, which has been distributed throughout the whole of New Zealand. But cases of distress requiring relief are increasing far beyond all proportion to any sum likely to be granted in the future. How then are the poor of New Zealand to be provided for ? How is the deficiency in the Government grant to be made up ? It is clear enough private individuals must exert themselves systematically to meet an evil which is growing, and if not arrested in time will be a standing disgrace to a prosperous Christian community like our own. Christchurch, Timaru, and other towns of New Zealand can boast of private Benevolent Aid Funds, all which are movements in the right direction and examples to other places. Certain members of the Church of England in the parochial district of Geraldine have lately taken the matter up and formed a committee of the clergyman, the churchwardens, and treasurer, for the purpose of raising money for the relief of the unfortunate and destitute in that locality. The committee held its first meeting at St. Mary’s Parsonage on the 31st day of August, and the following resolutions were passed : “ That the committee consist of the clergyman of the district, the churchwardens, and the treasurer of Church funds. “ That although the Geraldine Church of England Benevolent Aid Fund has been started and is managed by members of the Church of England only, still that no persons belonging to any other denomination will be excluded from participating in its benefits, provided they can furnish the committee with written guarantees asto the urgency of their case from the clergyman of their particular Church and one subscriber to the fund being also a member of the same denomination, and that the managing committee themselves are fully satisfied of the need for relief, they retaining in all cases full power to manage the distribution of funds at their disposal as they deem best for the general good of all. “ That subscription lists be left at the stores and other places of business in Geraldine and elsewhere, and that Church members be asked to use their utmost endeavors to increase the fund by inviting contributions.

“ That the Rev. James Preston act as treasurer, and that all monies collected be paid into the Benevolent Aid Fund Account at the Bank of New South Wales, Geraldine, and that all cheques be signed by the treasurer and one member of the committee.

That John Fenn, who is suffering from chronic illness which renders him unable to support his family, should receive the sum of 5s per week out of the money already collected until the next meeting of the committee,” The following is a list of the subscribers up to the present date ;

£ s. A lady ... ... 10 0 R. A. Barker 5 0 A. L. Barker ... 5 0 Vm. Postletlnvaite 5 0 E. Clogstoun ... 2 0 W. U. Black ... ... 2 0 James Preston ... ... 2 0 T. Hardcastle ... 1 0 F. Flatman 1 0 Robert Fish ... 1 0 C. D ... 4 4