Keep Funds Donated for New Bern Relief in New Bern Banks, Says T.G. Hyman, Dec. 20, 1922

Definite Move Made to Secure Return of Funds for Relief of Fire Victims Red Cross Took Away. . . Removal of Relief Fund to Atlanta Cause of Dissatisfaction Here. . . Local Relief Workers Can’t See Why Red Cross Had to Take $60,000 Out of Local Banks and Transfer It to Atlanta When the Relief Work Was For and in Benefit of Sufferers Here. . . Want Money Returned. . . Money Contributed by People of State to the Homeless and Needy of This City and It Should be Kept and Used Here, It Is pointed Out—Matter Not Ended

A definite move to secure the return of at least $60,000 of the relief fund, to be left on deposit with New Bern banks during the Red Cross relief administration, was launched in a meeting of the central advisory committee in the regular weekly meeting with Field Director Carter Taylor of the Red Cross last night. The routine details of the relief work done during the past week were gone through last night before anyone broached the subject of the removal of practically all local relief money yesterday with the departure of Mr. J.W. Davies to Atlanta. But when the opportunity presented itself, Mr. T.G. Hyman who from the first opposed transferring the entire fund to the Red Cross opened the matter.

Mr. Hyman stated that he could not see why the relief money could not be left with local banks; that this city needed as much money in circulation as any section possibly could after the poor crops of the past two years. It was his opinion that the Red Cross organization here could be held accountable for $60,000 as easily as they could for $20,000, the amount which was left, and let New Bern have the benefit of the use of the entire relief fund through the banks.

That the Red Cross was not accustomed to acting along this line was the statement of Director Taylor. He said that it had not been done before; that the original fund left with the banks would be replenished as it was drawn on under authorization of the central committee. However, he suggested that it might be arranged through proper channels to have the money brought back here, and told the committee how they might start the movement.

There was considerable discussion about the matter before it was finally acted upon. Mr. O.W. Lane, chairman of the finance committee, was against the proposition, defending his position on the ground that he did not consider the relief fund had been contributed for the benefit of local banking interests. He added that $20,000 had been left with three local banks for the benefit of the Red Cross organization’s work here.

Taylor to Get Letter

Finally on motion passed by the committee, Mr. Lane and his finance committee was instructed to address a letter to Director Taylor stating the position of the committee on the return of the relief fund to New Bern. He will forward the letter to the southeastern division headquarters and ask their action on the matter. While not in authority to guarantee what headquarters would do, Director Taylor expressed the belief that the return of the fund might be approved.

In his report to the committee Director Taylor said that 10,849 meals had been served during the relief work; that 1,364 colored people had been issued emergency supply clothing; and that about 263 persons are being fed daily, the number steadily decreasing. Sixty-four tents have been completed, with 133 people housed, and 31 tents now being erected, with 111 families having signed requests for tents, were the facts given in connection with the progress of temporary housing.

Director Taylor said that 68 white families were registered with his organization and that case histories of them had been made, each having been visited two or three times. Twenty-one white families have been placed permanently and 47 temporarily, he said.

From the front page of The New Bernian, Dec. 20, 1922