Relief Funds Dry Up
From the Hastings Mail of 13/02/1904
The Ore Relief Fund had written to the mayor saying it needed £43 to carry on their work for nine weeks longer. Their own subscription list had almost entirely disappeared since the Mayor’s Fund was opened. The Upper St Marys Committee (covering the West Hill) had “been compelled to refuse aid to many deserving cases, and quite inadequate relief to others.” It had appealed to the Mayor’s Fund for money. There were “terrible circumstances”. The Silverhill and Hollington Committee: “This is a district in which, owing to lack of funds, relief has had to be curtailed.” Then only giving coal tickets when there was illness in the house. On 11 February the Hastings and St Leonards Minstrel Troupe “gave an enjoyable entertainment” in the Market Hall, George Street, in aid of the East Hastings Children’s Free Breakfast Fund.