Belgian Relief Fund Reports

We will not produce all the reports here, merely a
selection to read what decisions were being taken,
how it was organised and those involved.

Collections

The Rushden Echo, March 26th 1915, transcribed by Kay Collins

Another £100 to the Belgian Legation
Over £1,000 Raised in Rushden

A meeting of the Rushden Belgian Relief Committee was held on Tuesday evening at the Council Buildings, Councillor J. S. Clipson presiding. There were present, among others, Mesdames H. J. Horn, W. Robinson, E. Norman, Hall, Woodward, Marriott, Greenfield, and Bishton, Father O’Gorman, Messrs. W. M. Hensman, F. Knight, J.P., J. S. Mason, J. Claridge, J.P., C.C., J. T. Colson, C. Cross, C.C., W. Durham, Bishton, W. W. Rial, with representatives of various organisations subscribing to the fund. In the absence of the secretary, Mr. R. F. Knight, through indisposition, the assistant secretary, Mr. W. T. L. Flood, officiated, with Mr. A. Clark, secretary to the House Committee.

Finances

Mr. Hensman submitted the financial report, which showed that altogether the sum of £1,091/8/1 had been collected. There was now a balance in the bank of £682/9/5. This, he thought, was extremely creditable to the town, to the factory fund, and to the Red Cross Society ladies.

The Chairman moved that another £100 be forwarded to the Belgian Legation in London.

Mr. F. Knight, supporting, said it was most satisfactory how the town had responded. He understood there were 1½ millions of people in Belgium on the verge of starvation, and he thought that by contributing direct to their relief they were doing better work than if more Belgians were entertained here. He hoped they would be able to send a similar amount shortly.

The motion was carried unanimously.

Expenditure

A detailed report of the expenditure for the 18 weeks to the end of February was submitted, as follows:-

Petty cash £12/2/9, wages £18/6/0. Clothing and furnishing, £54/14/1, food £121/4/11, coal £7/15/6, printing and advertising £3/15/9, Belgian Relief £200, total £417/19/3.

Mr. Knight said that the cost of maintenance would be slightly higher this month. To get a clear idea of the average cost, however, it was necessary to compare three or four months. He thought it would amount to nearly 12/0 per head this month.

A report of the factory collections was submitted by Mr. Flood.

In reply to Mr. Rial, the Chairman said that no direct information had been received from the refugee who had returned to Belgium. They understood, however, that he had arrived at Flushing.

Mr. W. Hinde stated that the employees of Messrs. Crick and Patenall wished to forego their Belgian collection this week, as they were making a collection on behalf of a fellow employee. He asked permission that they might do so, and this was granted.

Collections