BELGIAN RELIEF SUPPLIES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2407, 12 March 1915, Page 6

BELGIAN RELIEF SUPPLIES

BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE SYSTEM OF RELIEF TO BE CHANGED

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.)

(Rec. March 11, 5.10 p.m.)

London, March 11

The Government is adamant in its attitudo in refusing Treasury grants towards the maintenance of the Belgian poor, except on Sir Edward Grey's conditions. Unofficially, the Government recognises the Belief Commission as an authoritative organisation to convoy succour, but the Commission is compelled io rely solely on its owii resources and on the Gorman undertakings.

It is probable that the whole system of collection and distribution of relief will shortly be placed on a different basis.—"Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services. .

Sir Edward Grey (Seoretary of State for Foreign Affairs), in a recent letter to the chairman of the Belgian Relief Commission, recited the fact that Britain had granted funds, supplemented from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, for distribution to the Belgians. Though this was not he said, advisable from military considerations—because Germany could divert the foodstuffs to her armies—the British Government recently agreed to grant a monthly subvention to the Commission on condition that Germany should cease'all requisi-. tions for food, and all levies (except taxation) admitted under tho Hague Convention. '-'I understand," continued Sir Edward Grey, 'that the German Government, while it consented to cease requisitions for food 1 in the zone of occupation east of Ghent, refused to consider tho cessation of pecuniary exactions; and especially tha monthly levy of forty million francs (roughly £2,000,000), which it apparently intends to continue. Solely on account of this attitude, the proposed arrangements between Britain and thp Relief Commission must be regaidst! as having broken down. We intend to maintain, generally, a favourable attitude towards your work, and our offer will remain open in the event of Germany receding from her present position." ' PATRIOTIC CARNIVAL IN . TIMARU. (By Meeraph.—Press Association.) Timaru, March 11. A great patriotic carnival and harvest festival was held here to-day in aid of the Belgian Fund. The day was beautifully fine and there' was the biggest gathering of town and country people ever seen in Timaru. The whole affair was an auspicious success. Commercial travellers from all parts of New Zealand assisted in a very effective way. The election of a Queen of the Carnival brought' : n £6000, and there was a brilliant crowning ceremony, supervised' by Mr. Owen Carson. Tlie whole function will realise about £10,000. THE "DOMINION" LIST. Contributions to the fund for tho relief of the Belgians in. distress will subsequently bo forwarded to the authorities in Belgium for distribution:— £ s. d. Previously acknowledged 20,288 14' 8 Miss Johnston, Fitaherbert Terrace (3rd donation) ... 100 0 0 Major Robinson 3 3 0 Total 20,391 17 8 MAYOR'S (NEW) FUND. Amount. previously acknowledged '. 269 4 3 Helena 0 16 0 Dr. J. H. Kemp (Ist monthly instalment) 4 6.8 274 6 11 The sale of the green badges, with the imprint "It's a Long Way to Tipperary," is now proceeding, and the result promises to be a substantial addition to the Belgian Relief Fund. Mr. Barry Keesing, promoter of the scheme, has already received letters from country districts asking for supplies and enclosing postal notes as payment in advance.