PATRIOTIC RELIEF FUNDS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2315, 24 November 1914, Page 6

PATRIOTIC RELIEF FUNDS

POOR OF BRITAIN AND BELGIUM.

'A. meeting of the executive of the Wellington Branch of the above Fund was held yesterday. The general secretary, Mr. R. W. Sliallcrass, reported that the sum of £20,000 had been transmitted by His Excellency the Governor to the High Commissioner in London, allocation having been made in accordance with the wishes of the donors. He also reported that large .quantities ■ of goods' are still being received and are being shipped by each -available steamer. On the general secretary's suggestion it was also .decided that at next meeting a further allocation of moneys should be dealt with. A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. C. G. Wilson, G. Shirtclifiej and the general secretary, was appointed to purchase 'blankets locally with the money subscribed for that purpose. Intimation was received from the Prime Minister and from the Under-Secretary of tho Department of Internal Affairs that the. Government would, carry, all goods, except frozen mutton, free on the railways, : and would provide space on transports for donations, except, perishable goods. With regard ,to the shipment of perishable goods, it was decided that the whole executive should wait upon the Prime Minister-at the first opportunity, with the object , of arranging ; for free shipment for these goods. ' Shilling Christmas Gift for Belgians. —Mr, Wilson reported that the Patriotic Sports Committee had practically resolved itself- into a sub-committee of this fund, and had taken in hand the organising' of. the Is. Christmas gift for the Belgians. Mr. Shallcrass reported that lie, had communicated with other centres in the Dominion with regard to the matter. The chairman reported .that he had; received an offer from the Pantomime Company to make a street collection in Wellington similar to the one so successfully carried out in Auckland, and _ that His Worship the Mayor had given his consent to the collection being made.

On the suggestion of the Mayoress it was decided to announce that the receipt of donations of clothing will close on December 14, after which date goods should- ho posted direct to the High Commissioner iii London.