VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2480, 5 June 1915, Page 3

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER. Some reference to the mistaken notion that the Government are appealing to the public generosity in order to relieve the strain on the State Treasury was niado by the Prime Minister yesterday. "There seems to be an idea in certain quarters," said Mr. Massey, "that the Government is inviting donations from the public with the object of saving the ordinary taxpayer. We are doing nothing of the sort. But I am glad to bo able to say that tens of thousands of generous people all over New Zealand aeem it a privilege to contribute <*> funds for the relief ef distress caused by tho war, or for part of the equipment of the Hospital Ship. This money will undoubtedly serve a very useful purpose by way of supplementing Government expenditure in the numerous cases where exceptional consideration ■will be necessary, and we appreciate tho patriotism and generosity being displayed. But apart altogether from the money raised in this way, the Government will do its full duty by asking Parliament to make proper provision for our soldiers and their dependents. We have no wish to interfere with the funds being raised, and our only concern with Tespect to them will be to see that they are properly administered. His Excellency will, of course, see that the morioys which are subscribed ii response to his request will be used for the purpeso for which they are being contributed. Personally, I would rather have the poor nan's donation of a shilling given freely than the rich man's cheque given grudgingly, though I am glad to say that very little of tho latter spirit lias been manifested."