“Book Of Life” Proposal

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 45, 11 May 1948, Page 5

“Book Of Life” Proposal

Appeal Organiser’s Reply To Criticism

Last week, Mr E. R. Marryatt wrote from Whakatane to N.Z. Headquarters of the United Nations Appeal for Children, taking exception to the proposal to record the names of all N.Z. donors in “The Book of Life.” The Dominion organiser and secretary, Mr R, Malcolm, has replied that the scheme is not going to cost anything, and that a lot of people seem to like it. Here'is his letter:— “I have to acknowledge receipt -of your letter of the 3rd instant and in reply to your criticism of the •“Book of Life,” perhaps there is a misunderstanding existing which I may possibly be able to clarify for you. The expenditure involved in compiling the “Book of Life” will be practically nil as it is proposed to formulate and compile this book in Wellington on a voluntary basis with the services of Wellington women who have signified to do this jol» at no cost at all. “For your further information I would like to add that we have forwarded notices to over 100,000 people throughout the Dominion and in the replies that we have had so far, 97 per cent of the people who have forwarded donations to this office have replied Yes to the question whether they would like their names inserted in the “Book of Life.”

“In regard to the latter clause of your letter, I would like to point out that the Government is in no way connected with the organising of the appeal and there will be no wastage of monies in any circumstances. As already intimated above, the “Book of Life” is being prepared cost free.

“I note that you are particularly interested in this appeal from its human point of view and that humanity of outlook is assured by us at Organisation Headquarters and in that regard administration costs are being kept to an absolute minimum and further I am authorised on behalf of. the Dominion Executive to assure you that the whole of the gross proceeds as collected in New Zealand will be spent for the benefit of children and nothing by way of overhead or administration costs will be deducted.

“I sincerely trust that my - explanation will meet with your entire approval and I do thank you for giving me the opportunity of replying.” ! Mr Marryatt has replied:— “Thank you for your reply dated sth May to my letter of protest and for your explanation that the expenditure ’in compiling the so-call-ed “Book of Life” will be practically nil. This explanation certainly puts a better complexion on the matter but in no way condones the plagiarised name you have given it nor makes the book less futile. I still think it is nothing better than a monument to bad taste; “Wishing you every success in the appeal.”