New Britain herald., 1930-09-30
Mayor Comments Heroic Men Who Work Until Hands Bleed So That : Their Families May Not Be Forced to Subsist On Charity.

Mayor George A. Quigley will carry his drive for additional funds to aid the city relief work to the general public. he announced at a meeting of the Lions club at the Burritt hotel today.
 The mayor was a surprise visitor to the club of which he is a for mer president. Since his inaugura- ton he has been able to attend few occasions and he said he was pres- ent today to save his membership.
 Called upon by President James E. O'Brien to speak, the city's chief executive called attention to the fact that a serious situation faces the en- tire nation, with winter just ahead. Admitting that conditions are na- tion- wide he said his chief concern is for New Britain.
 He informed his hearers that New Britain now is feeding 302 families and is providing employment for 1900 persons. Stating that the city is almost two hundred million dol lar corporation, he said it's greatest problem is to see that it's people do not suffer.
 The board of public works, park department, subway and water de- partments are employing 400 men. which is about 75 per cent more than the normal number at this time of the year, he explained. These fc n hnrIr and wi i1A they are willing and anxious to work many of them are unable to earn even half that amount. -,
 Work Preferred to Doles
 The city is giving them work jn preference to the dole system used in England which, lie said, woull be necessary if the present system were not used. The dole system, he said, he did not approve of, since it tends to pauperize people.
 we are only getting 50 cents re- turn for every dollar we spend. be- cause we are giving work to nSn who are not able to handle a pick and shovel. These men work until their hands are bleeding, but they are heroic and keep on working be- cause their families need food"
 He called attention to the fact that the 3 per cent appropriation from their salaries voted by city employees was the suggestion of Deputy Chief Sorney of the fire de- partment, but added that same con- tribution is not barred to outsiders"
 DraciIorf n'Pria,, attnnfion to the fact that some children go to school in the mornings without breakfast because there is no money available for milk. Mayor Quigley added that before they could start school this term,~261 children were outftted with shoes by the city.
 Will Interest Other Clubs
 The mayor added that the situa- tion is SC, acute that he intends in a short time to call meeting of civic club officials and heads of To- cal welfare organizations with the idea of opening up the campaign to include the entire city.
 There is now S9,000 in the fund and the mayor wants to see it in creased to at least $100,000.
 He stated that already Peter Pe- rakos of the Palace theater is giv- ing two per cent of the income of the theater; that he opened minia- ture golf course where 50 per cent of the proceeds of the first day were given to that fund and added, T am perfectly willing to open golf courses, fairs or other public func- tions but I must have that 50 per cent for the welfare fund"
 Send your checks to Curtfss l.. Sheldon, city treasurer" he advised.
 A general discussion followed in which cases of families who actual ly are destitute or threatened with destitution were discussed. One man said man had been willing to work for him for s5 week, to get food for his family.
 Harry C. Hancock called atten- tion to several church and organiza |. tion rummage sales being planned