CONTROL OF WAR FUNDS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2596, 19 October 1915, Page 6

CONTROL OF WAR FUNDS

A LOCAL ASSOCIATION

NATIONALISATION DESIRED

'A public meeting was held in tho Concert Chamber of tho Town Hall last night, for the purpose of sotting up an executivo to administer the patriotic funds <raisod in Wellington. The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) presided, and thcro was an attendance of about twenty. Mr. Luko said that he was more than evor convinced that tho fund should bo nationalised, and he thought that eventually tho national idea would bo decided on. He regretted that somo districts had not seen lit to join under the scheme outlined by Mr. Skerrett. It remained for them now to set up their executivo, for tho sooner they settled details tho bettor. He paid a tribute to the many who had subscribed to the fund, and oxpressed to the president and workers of the Patriotic Society his heartiest thanks on behalf of the City. To tho lady collectors also he expressed thanks. Ho did not think the lust had been heard about tho fund, for as tho campaign progressed the casualties increased, and more urgent the need would become. We were confident of tho success of our anus, but we wanted to give every encouragement and assistance. Ho proposed that they should pass a resolution of great esteem for what'our boys had done for New Zealand.

The motion was carried with acclamation.

' Mr. L. 0. H. Tripp saicl that tlioy proposed to form a War Relief Association of Wellington, whereby anybody who subscribed ss. would be entitled to become an annual member. They desired to administer the funds raised by tho Patriotic Society and by tho Mayor, and they could do so by forming such a society as he proposed, for they could take over control under the War Funds Act, passed by Parliament last session. It was hopod that eventually tho scheme would devolve into a national ono. The scheme they proposed gave the executive large powers, for it was not yet known whether other districts would come in with them. They gave the exeoutive power to amalgamate with other associations, and to in any. way help on the National Fund. They proposed to have two trustees for tho Wellington soheme, and an executive of fifteen, which would appoint an inner "executive. In addition to the £70,000 they already had there , were two or three big firms Trillin" to subscribe £1000 each as soon as they woro convinced that the funds- were to be properly controlled. Tho association, he said, would be registered. Mr. Tripp formally moved that the War Relief Association of Wellington should be formed. Mr. J. Lewis seconded the motion, and it was carried. Mr. D. M'Laren moved that tho executive should consist of 14 elective members and tho Mayor of Wellington, ex officio. He also expressed the hope that tho National Fund would eventually be established. Mr. 11. Hall seconded tho motion, and it was carried. On tho motion of Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald the following were appointed tho executive of the association:—Messrs. S. Kirkcaldie,. A. Macintosh, F. Manton, W. Ferguson, O. A. Ewen, H. G. Hill, D. M'Li'.ren, L. O. H. Trippj C. M. Luke,. L. M. A. Rearden, J. Lewis, A. R. Atkinson, E. J. Collie, J. Hutcheson, and the Mayor of Wellington.

Sir. Hall suggested that an investigation coinmittco might also be appointed to see that there was no abuso of tlio fund. Each ease should be properly investigated, and the idea 'should not prevail-that the fund was a charitable aid fund. It would bo distributed for services rendered.

Mr. J. P. Luke and tho Hon. J. G, W. Aitken were appointed trustees.

Messrs. C. P. Skerrett, :W. Ferguson, and J. O'Shea were apjjointed to go through the rules and take all steps to incorporate t'ho society. The proposed rules give power to the executive to tender relief over a wide field, and enable thorn to take steps to raise further funds. It is suggested that four members of the executive shall retire each year. Any person who has subscribed, or who subscribes 55., shall be entitled to become an annual member, and a payment of £5 entitles one to become a life member.

Mr. Fitzgerald opposed the idea of adopting rules with which they were not conversant. He also thought that it would . bebetter to have half tho executive retire each year.

It was finally decided that tho draft rules should be adopted, and that they should be submitted to a further public meeting after consideration by tho executive of tho members appointed to go through them.

On the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, a resolution of thanks was accorded the president, executive, and members of the Patriotic Society for their groat efforts.