FOR THE SICK AND WOUNDED

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2469, 24 May 1915, Page 7

FOR THE SICK AND WOUNDED

THE NATIONAL FUND ITS ADMINISTRATION DOMINION CONFERENCE PROPOSED 'At the big meeting held in the Town Hall last Tuesday it was agreed that a National Fund be established, 'with the Mayors of the four centres and three other gentlemen whom they would appoint as an executive, to administer the fund, which would bo subscribed to in all parts of the country. Mr. Luke has since communicated with Messrs. Clarke (Dunedin), Holland (Christchurch), and Gunson (Auckland) on the subject, but the only reply so far received is from Christchurch— on Saturday. The letter sent to the Mayor of Christchurch has evidently been handed over to the Canterbury Patriotic Fund Committee, and-the seerotary of that Fun 3 replies as follows: "Dear Sir,—At a special meeting of ths executive of tho Canterbury Patriotic Fund called to consider your, lettej* of the 19th inst., addressed to His Worship the Mayor of Christchurch regarding the proposed initiation of a National and Carnival Fund for the benefit of wounded New Zealand soldiers and sailors and their dependents. I was directed to forward you a copy of the rules of this Fund, and append the following resolutions passed thereat:—

Whereas this committee is entirely in sympathy with the movement for tho Establishment of a National Fund with objects substantially the satde as the Canterbury Patriotic Fund, lu was of the opinion that while a J.<ational Fund may be provided, the subscriptions and donations should be obtained by and retained under the control of the committees in each provincial district, as such committees could more efficiently supervise tile distribution and allocation of such funds, in addition to more expeditiously inquiring into and effectively deciding upon any claims that may be made. " 'This committee is also • of thg opinion that St. John Ambulance and other funds Should be kept entirely separate and be' controlled and administered by their respective committees.

This committee is of opinion that a conference should be held at an early date, preferably at Wellington, to be attended by the chairman, vice-chair-man, and secretaries of tiip various Patriotic Funds in the Dominion with a view to (a) taking concerted action to supplement the existing funds; (b) agreeing upon such acommon basis of allocation to the claimants of such funds; (o) to take measures to ascertain if possible how far the respective funds will be supplemented by Government subsidy." "I may mention that our fund has almost reached £20,000, and we are in hopes that later, by inaugurating an active campaign throughout this province, it will be very materially augmented.—Yours faithfully, R. Toswill, Secretary, Canterbury Patriotic Fund." The idea of calling every chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary of every fund in New Zealand to a conference is not considered advisable by the Mayor, as it would mean hundreds of delegates. Instead, the Mayor has called a conference of the Mayors of the ■ other three centres and other towns, including Napior, Wanganui, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Masterton,. Timani, Invercargill, etc., to meet in the Council Chamber in .Wellington at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday nest to endeavour to arrive at somo conclusion, with regard to the establishment of a National Fynd for the purposes above enumerated. At tho conclusion of the conference the whole of the delegates will wait upon the Prime Minister (the Hon. W. F. Massey) and the Hon. James Allen (Minister of Defence) to lav before the Government their proposal and discuss the 'situation in all its phases. The deputation that was to have waited upon the Prime Minister thia morning has been declared off, in view of the conference proposal. In connection with the above, Mr. Luke has received from Mr. Guinness, Mayor of Timaru, the following:— "In reply to our inquiry of whether ha would be prepared to meet delegates of various patriotio committees to discuss new pension scheme and National Fund for Wounded Soldiers and Dependants, the Hon. James Allen advises that the Prime Minister (Hon. W. F. Massey) and himself would be pleased to do so. Would suggest you call a conference and arrange date. Would you wire me in time Monday morning's meeting."