to those in need sometime next week -- still short of the $55,000 or more its trustees believe is needed.

The East End Ministerial Association, which set up the fund after a tornado whipped through St. David's on March 21, said in a statement this week that fund trustees are now compiling information on people in need, and discussing specific cases.

"In every case they concern damage and loss of household contents involving low income families,'' the statement said.

Fund accounts will be kept open for at least another two weeks, the association said.

"At the present time the accounts stands at a total of $33,559. We at present are seeing on paper possible help needed in slight excess of $55,000.'' But this does not take into account losses from underinsurance, or damaged property that was inadequately insured.

"We do have a list of those whose insurance for various reasons was inadequate, together with their repair costs to date,'' the Association said.

"What is now revealing itself is the number of people who thought they had adequate insurance but, as they receive the cheques from their insurance companies, are finding that their insurance was inadequate.

"This whole question of adequate insurance is one that requires more investigation and a lot of education to the general public, not only in St.

David's but the entire island.'' The Association said it had received a generous response from many people throughout the community, and from groups, businesses, clubs and churches.

But it noted there have been "some adverse comments'' about the fund bailing out people who were uninsured or did not have enough insurance.

"To them we would reply that statements should not be made of a negative nature unless the person making them knows all the facts,'' the Association said. "We would also suggest that they read John 8, 2-11.'' Those verses of the Bible describe Jesus refusing to condemn a sinner and saying: Let he that is without sin cast the first stone.