THE "SPITFIRE" FUND

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 209, 6 September 1940, Page 4

THE "SPITFIRE" FUND

Sir, —Apparently there is something very much amiss with this district. Last month, at the annual meeting, of the Rangitaiki Dairy Company\s suppliers, it was a re-, commendation to that company's directors that they should give consideration to the levying of .177 d per pound on butterfat for the purchase of a fighter 'plane for the Royal Air Force. So far, it-seems, nothing has been done" and as most funds country close to-day or tfp'mSVw, it appears to be too late. If there had been a combination of the town, and country districts something might have eventuated.Other districts have combined both town and country interests and the response to the suggestion of the ' purchase of 'Spitfires' has been excellent. In Whakatane the fund opened by two public-spirited citizens has reached stalemate at £18, an indication oi this town's attitude. It would seem that the citizens have that childish idea, "If you wont play, I won't either." Everybody knows that there are and will be many appeals for war purposes and that with higher taxation the public cannot contribute as freely as many would wish, but when a suggestion of this nature is brought forward and a fund started it is rather surprising to see only half a dozen donations from a town of 2000 inhabitants and Whakatane can hardly hope to lay claim to distinction as a generous town. It is argued in some quarters that the residents would subscribe freely if an indication were forthcoming as to whether the country districts would also be in one the raising of the. necessary funds for the purchase of a 'Spitfire' or whether both have to make the attempt individually. It has not perhaps occurred to those who reason thus that if donations were piade now they would be ready for either a combined or individual effort. It is extremely probable that the £100.,.000 sterling made available- by the Government for aircraft. purchases will have been subscribed by the rest of New Zealand before this town starts. Whakatane will stand alone in New Zealand as the town and district which has not contributed a share. What a distinction! And all, apparently; because the town will not work by itself because the country support is uncertain. And there could have been a great contribution from the county. United, we make some sort of show; divided, both parties do nothing. Something should be done. Yours etc., A.T.L*

(Enquiries made yesterday with the Dairy Company's representative disclosed the fact that on Monday , of last week a letter was despatched : of Finance with reference to the above. To date there has been no reply* The directors are anxious to give the matter their fullest consideration but are unable - to do so until the receipt of the information from the Hon. W. Nash. ... Ed.).