NOVEL DONATION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 27, 27 November 1945, Page 6

NOVEL DONATION

FARMER OFFERS EXTRA BUTTERFAT PROCEEDS GIFT FOR BLINDED SERVICEMEN

In the hope that others might fol- 1 low his example a Northland farmer has made a novel donation for the benefit of blinded New Zealand servicemen. He has olfered to the Blinded Servicemen's Trust Board the proceeds, of the recently announced extra payment of 1.0G4d per pound butterfat. The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, states that he hopes to produce 20 0001b. of butterfat in the. current

season which makes, tlid monetary value of his rfift in the vicinity of £90.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, written on VJ day the donor said: "Now that the war is over and won I think everyone of us should rejoice and show our gratitude to the men who sacrificed so much to make this day possible. I do think and hope that every farmer who can help can do as I am doing without undue sacrifice." The Prime Minister in his reply accepting the gift wrote: "In providing for disabled servicemen private generosity can achieve much that cannot be achieved through the medium of Government assistance, and your offer brings to mind the recollection that the respective merits of these two modes of assistance are discussed by Lt. Col. Sir lan Eraser., C.8.E., M.P., a blinded soldier of the last war j who is chairman of St. Dunstan's, in his book— 'Whereas I was Blind.' Sir lan concludes this portion of his book with the following w.ords: 'Do not let us ever do anything by legislation or propaganda to deter or damp down this voluntary spirit of human kindness.' "Lt is hoped that your gift will inspire other generous benefactions not only of a monetary nature, but also by way of active voluntary assistance, including the provision of amenities for disabled men of the kind which cannot always be procured with money."

The Minister of Rehabilitation the Hon. C. F. also wrote thanking the donor, who in a further letter said he hoped his offer would develop interest in rehabilitation work.