DESTITUTION IN THE LEWS.
[To THE EDITOR 07 TH74 " 872071.7011..] SIR,-For some considerable time there has been much distress) among the population of this parish. I have refrained until now from giving that distress publicity, thinking that it would soon pass over, as similar distress has done before. But as it is, unfortunately, not abating, I feel constrained to lay before you a few facts relative to it, and thus enlist sympathy and assistance. The distress is so general, that the number of families affected by it cannot be ascertained with accuracy. Many cases could be quoted to show how keenly some families are suffering.
Within the bounds of my congregation there are six town- ships, with a total population of over 1,500, all of whom are crofter fishermen. The weather has been so unfavourable during the past months, that tillage has been rendered extremely diffi- cult, and fishing impossible. Seed has been scarce, and in not a few cases at the present moment the tilled ground lies without, seed. Several of the people have called on me, offering part of their stock as price for potatoes and seed. So far as I have been able, they have been supplied, but to many applicants I have had to give a reluctant refusal. Unless something can be done immediately, famine is imminent to many of these poor people. But not only is seed scarce, but food even more so, I have had as many as five in one day at the manse asking for food for their starving families ; and in one case, a man of most industrious habits wished me to use my influence in getting him help from the Parochial Board. It may suffice to mention one distressing case which has come under my notice, to show how genuine the want is.
A few days ago, a man met me in Stornoway. He said :- "This is my second journey here this week, trying to get meal. I have left a family of ten at home without a bite of food. To- day I hoped I might get sufficient to keep starvation away, but I cannot induce any of the merchants to supply me. Already I am deeply in their debt, and unless you help me, I cannot. venture home." This man is industrious, honest, and strictly sober. He felt acutely making such a statement, and I feel convinced he must have suffered severely before making it. The month of May and the beginning of Jane is always the most trying time for the crofters in this island. In former years they have been in straitened circumstances, but they have seldom, if ever, been so utterly straitened as at present.
It may be said that fishing will soon be brisk, and the people can then get food. Yee, true ; but what of those who cannot go to the fishing P These are the people who must suffer. I fondly hope that in the course of next week the vast majority will be able by their fishing to replenish their stores but still there will be a number of families in utter destitution for some months. It is on their behalf I venture to appeal to a charitable public. The children attending the public schools are in a miserable condition. Their clothing is of the most wretched description, and one of the teachers stated that he believed a good number in school were there minus their break- fasts. With scanty clothing and empty stomachs in such cold' weather as we have had recently, it is marvellous how they can live. I trust these unvarnished facts may induce some kind friends to assist us in getting food for the more needy cases. I may add that by a collection from the better class in this con- gregation, we have succeeded in getting a few pounds, which were distributed by the Deacons' Court of our congregation among the most pressing cases. Any donation, however small, either in clothing or money, will be most thankfully received and gratefully acknowledged by me. In conclusion, I beg to point out that unless something is done at once, the distress will be only deepened.-I am, Sir, Ac.,
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