PATRIOTIC FIGURES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 57, 16 March 1945, Page 4

PATRIOTIC FIGURES

WITH something over 2000 men away from the Eastern Bay serving in the various combat units, it is interesting to note the decision of the local Patriotic Zone Committee to create a Welfare Reserve of £10,000 which will be held for the future benefit of these men when they return. The response which, the Zone *K district (Whskstsne <md Opotiki) has made over the war period in answer to the annual appeals is something to be proud of. Receipts by district subscription from 1939 to 1944 totalled £38,447 (Whakatane £25,409; Opotiki £13,037). The apportionment of the payments made to the Provincial Council from the zone was Whakatane £21,111; Opotiki £11,851 (total £32,963). The refund of the sum of £5,131 from the Auckland Patriotic Council has enabled the Zone Committee to commence its Welfare Fund with a substantial sum in hand. This sum we understand has been further increased by sundry monies held on the district's behalf making the net Welfare Reserve £6,164, which is divided up between the two towns of the old 'Zone K' as follows: Whakatane £3,826 and Opotiki £2,337. Subscribers to this year's appeal should note carefully the objective behind the Welfare Fund which will be devoted towards assisting ex-servicemen from this district in all cases of hardship, not merely immediately after demobilisation, but in the years to come when the strain of war service may become apparent.