PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2624, 20 November 1915, Page 6

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

■A DOMINION CONFERENCE GOVERNMENT APPEALS FOR AID SERIES OF PROPOSALS SCHEME OF FEDERATION SET AFOOT.

A conference, of representatives of Patriotic Committees . throughout Now Zealand, convened b.v the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. G. W. Russell) was held in the Joint Committee Room, Parliament -Buildings, yesterday. The Hon. G. W. Eusseil presided,, and other Ministers present were: The Hon. J. Allen (Defence), the Hon. A. L. Herdman (Returned Soldiers), the Hon. A. M. Myers (Pensions). About 30 delegates from all parts of New Zealand were present. Following were the delegates to the conference:—Auckland: Messrs. Ernest A. Craig (treasurer, Auckland Provincial Patriotic and War Relief Association), A. H. Wallis (Gisborne Citizens' Defence Committee). Taranaki: Messrs. C. H. Burgess (Now Plymouth), J. Master (Stratford). Hawke's Bay: Messrs. Wm. Hart (Hastings Patriotic Committee), G. L. Pharazyn (Hastings Patriotic Committee). Wellington: Messrs. J. P. Luke (Mayor of Wellington), W. Ferguson (Mayor's Patriotic Fund, and Wellington War Relief Association), L. 0. H. Tripp (Wellington War Relief Association), D. M'LaTen (Wellington Patriotic Society), J. A. Nash (chairman, Palmerston North Patriotic Society), D. Buick, M.P. (Palmerston North), F. H. Cooko (trustee, Palmerston North- Patriotic Society), H. Morrison (Wairarapa), A. • M'Donald , (Wairarapa), D. Hebenton (Wairarapa), T. Boswall Williams (chairman, Citizens 1 and Farmel's' Union War Relief . Fund, Feilding), J. Ongley (Mayor' of Feilding). •. Marlborough: Mr. G. M. Spence (Marlborough Patriotic Society).- Nelson: Mr. A. Leaver (Mayor of Westport). Westland: Messrs. C. J. Pfaff (Westland Patriotic Fund, Hokitika), L. 0. H. Tripp (Grevmoutlr Patriotic Committee). Canterbury: Messrs. H. Holland (Mayor of Christcliurch and' chairman Canterbury Patriotic Committee), Cyras Williams (Christchurch), G. S. Cray (South Canterbury War Relief Society), C. W. Nicoll County War Relief Fund). Otago: Messrs. j. J. Clark (Mayor of Dunedin, and chairman Otago Patriotic Association), J. T. Paul, M.L.C. (Otago Soldiers' and Dependents' Welfare Committee), J. M. Forrester (chairman North. Otago Soldiers' Fund Trustees). Southland: Messrs. X W. Rodger. (chairman Southland Patriotic Committee); Chas. Campbell (secretary Southland Patriotic Committee). Mr. Russell thanked the delegates for their attendance, • and expressed satisfaction that so many representatives had attended. His first duty, he thought, should be-to voice his appreciation of the splendid patriotism of the people of country who had so generously subscribed to the..funds. . Up .till September, a total sum of ,£892,151 had been raised by the patriotic efforts of the people. Of this amount, J2271,227 was.raised for wounded soldiers, ,£358.000 ■ for the-Belgian, and British, and Belgian Relief Funds, and .£262,000 for other funds. Since September, the time to which the figures applied, the total had been increased to well over a million of money. (Applause.) He gave the following summary of receipts and disbursements in the various centres j Col- *Dis- In . lected. tributed. hand. £' ■ £ £ Auckland 128,239 90,G0G 36,618 Taranaki 22,180 17,274 i 002 Hawke's Bay 46,906 33,830 13|030 Wellington 185,480 106,32G 78,095 Marlborough ...... 1-4,324 4,294 10030 N° ls ° n , 20,120 14,4G8 5,651 Westland 595 153 442 Canterbury 145,874 105,998 84,628 Otago 300,433 122,287 180,080 Southland ......... 28,001 16,426 11,575 Totals 892,154 511,660 375,054 Ho wished dispel any idea that the Government had any intention of collaring the patriotic funds through the War Funds Council. The whole object of that body was to secure efficient' and economical administration of the money handed over to it. It had no po.ver to take money oompulsorily. One advantage of the National Council would be that any money held by it would be at once invested.

Ono matter that would be before the conference would be the proposal to set np a federation of societies in order to prevent anything in the nature of dupli,.loP °r overlapping in the granting of relief. The object of the federation would be to establish easy communication among the societies, so that every society should know exactly what every other society was doing., He hoped, the conference would achieve a.good result. Other Ministers Speak. The Hon. J. Allen also addressed the meeting briefly. He taid that the proposals ho had to make to the patriotic societies had to do with pensions, and the relief of dependents not provided • for under the law. He also -"anted the aid ot the societies in caring for wounded soldiers outside of New Zealand: The Defence Department provided the soldier with all his necessities, but such comforts as might be. desirable to restore men to health like tobacco, cigarettes, and fruit should be, he thought,'a fair chaTgo on the generosity of the public. The Government had had to provido money from the State Treasury for this purpose, and he did not think this should bo. He would ask the patriotic committees to assist the Government in providing for the largo number of our soldiers lying sick in Egypt, in Malta, and in England. ■ The Hon. A. L. Herdman gave an account of tie organisation of the Discharged Soldiers' Information Department. It ires essential, he said, for the success of his scheme that the?ocal committeas'shouild do their work with duo diligence to ensure that all the returned men requiring work should get all the assistance possible. Replying to suggestions, Mr. Herdman said he would be very glad to arrange for the local committees to co-oper-.nte with the Labour organisations and the Employers' Association in obtaining work for the men.

The Hon. A. M. Myers said that al-though-the people had subscribed one million sterling, half a million had already been disbursed, and ho would like to see the people continue their efforts until they had provided a 911 m of two millions. (Hoar, hear.) This, he ventured to suggest, was by no means impossible. in view of the prosperity in the country, induced by thtf high prices ruling for our produce. Regarding pensions, he thought the patriotio societies might help to supplement Telief in deserving cases, and to this end tho decisions of the board would bo forwarded to the patriotic societies.

Mr. D. JfLaren asserted that Mr. Russell's statement of the finances was incorrect, even for the date mentioned, becauso several of tho .amounts, especially for Wellington, wero very much understated. Tho conference thon proceeded to the discussion of business brought down by way of headings rather than recommendations by the Government. Dependents of Soldiers. The first item on the agenda paper was: [ Provision of separation (allowance for wives of married soldiers where necessary. The Hon. J. Allen said that the supplementing of pay- coul<l be much batter supervised by local committees than by tho central authority. Tho Government paid separation allowances, but did not differentiate between tho man with a wife and no children and tho man with a wifo and several children. The discussion threatened to bo protracted by tho introduction of details, and tho chairman asked tho conference to affirm the principles of the proposals made, leaving tho details to the patriotic local committees. Tho following other suggestions wero 'agreed to as being within the functions of patriotic committees:— Assistance to parents or others depending wholly or partially oil soldiers. Assistance to and provision of comforts for children nf soldiers, so tliut none inav puffer from the absence of uwflnts at t&o 'Aftafev"

Whose the Responsibility? There was discussion on a now proposal that the Patriotic Committees might use their funds to .supplement the pensions of soldiers, or to give pensions to tlioso who had not been granted them by tho Pensions Board. Objection was raised on the ground that the provision of pensions was tho function of the State, it was further suggested that it was desirable that a uniform scalo for tho supplementing of pensions was necessary, but this question was not followed up. Finally it was agreed that tho following clause bo affirmed: — Additions to the income of soldiers whether on service or discharged where necessary. There was a brief debate on tho clause: Provision of artificial limbs and eyes and electric apparatus, slings, ote., for wounded soldiers.

The Hon. J. Allen said that arrangements wero being mado for men who lost limbs to bo sent to a special hospital in England to he fitted with artificial limbs. He thought tin patriotic committees should fisaist the. Government in this work, but if the committees would not do this the Government would undertake full responsibility. . Tlie general feeling of the conference appeared to be that tho Government should be compelled to accept full responsibility and an amended clause to tho effect that tho softies assist in the provision of these accessories .was rejected on tho voices. Comforts for the Wounded, The following memorandum was submitted by the Minister of Defence:—' "As the Defenco Department is responsible for sick and wounded in England, Egypt, Malta, otc., but provides necessaries only, it is suggested that the patriotic public supply comforts for sick and wounded. The fund for this purpose applicable to comforts of sick and wounded in England is exhausted, some .£'5500 having beon sent to tho High Commissioner. There remain small balances available for Egypt and Malta. .It is urgently necessary that more funds should be made available for this purpose, and the Minister of Defence commends to the conference Jiie wisdom of providing such, and of se'nuing all contributions,' whether in money or kind, through the Government to tlie High Commissioner, per tho U.nder-Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington. 'JJhere was no difference of opinion as to the desirability of tho societies assisting in providing comforts for sick and wounded in England and elsewhere. There was not the sariie unanimity of opinion as to whether tie present organisation for the distribution of money for comforts was efficient, but on this point the Minister gave an assurance. It was urged that the Government should assess the patriotic committees for contributions. to the comforts fund to securo uniformity, but of this was dropped.' The Defence SuiiToter was pressed for an undertaking to subsidise tlie contributions of the societis, but to this Mr. Allen would not agree. He thought that as the Government, provided for all the necessaries the people should by voluntary contributions provide for. luxuries and comforts.

For Men in Hospital. Tlie following recommendations from Dr. Valintino were next considered:—

The nants of military patients in hospitals, convalescent homes, etc.—As for disciplinary reasons I .believe it has been decided that military patients in hospital are not to. receive'their pay, tlie Patriotic Committees might very well attend to the expenses connected with the minor wants of such patients, such as: (a) Tho provision of. stamps,, stationery, ... telegrams, the conduct of. correspondence for those unable to write; and (b) .the provision of reading'material, and luxuries as regards food and drink, sanctioned by tho medical authorities.'

. This was agreed to. 1 The following recommendation was opposed on the general ground that the work was propor to tho Government, and a necessity :— Tho. provision"- of suitable clothing, for hospital.—This is a want very -much in evidence, ami some patriotic committees have provided uniform hospital clothing, outer as well as under-garments, . and these have been very much appreciated by .the men. Uniformity" is needed so that the patients can be recognised as miliary • patients.

Dr. Valintine explained that the Government did provide uniforms for sick men, but the uniforms provided by voluntary effort for sick men at Trentham were so very much better than the Government could provide that'it would be well for the societies to give the ladies an opportunity to do the work that they were so willing -to do, and that they were able to do so well.

After discussion the clause was amended to rend: "Assistance in. the provision of suitable clothing, etc.," and as so amended -was agreed to. After debate the following proposal was struck out: The payments? travelling expenses in connection with the transfer of patients in special cases. The following proposal was agreed to: The payment of the travelling expenses of relatives of patients unable to afford the cost of visiting,.their' soldier relatives in hospital. Other Suggestions.

Other suggestions of Dr. Volintine which, were agreed'to were'as.follow:— The provision of suitable games for the patients, means of recreation 1 , and employment.—ln this case livueh oan.be done by officers of the technical Schools, who, if provided with the necessary funds, could 6et. up workshops at tho larger hospitals or convalescent homes, and by this means give tho patients employment, which will not only help them to pass the time .but which, may subsequently prove /useful as a means of livelihood. Finding suitable work ' for maimea patients or others. Providing motor-caTS, boats, etc., for patients, or trips at the health resorts, such as Rotorua, etc. Entertainments, concerts, theatres, etc., where possible, under the control of members of the local committee. , The Convalescent Camps. Mr. Russell made a special appeal for assistance from the funds of the patriotic societies for the establishment of convalescent camps. He submitted the following memorandum on the subject:— Tho Government accepts the responsibility as far as possible for the restora--tion to mental and physical health of every returned soldier, including his transit to hospital or convalescent camp and his return therefrom to his home. It is not considered desirable to establish minor convalescent homes, and therefore many. patriotic offers of suitable places have been declined. It is, of course, open to patriotio committees to establish these, in which case .they will accept the full financial responsibility for them. , ■ • . . , The Government proposes to establish two large convalescent camps in the Dominion, to bo attached to thermal springs, the curative value' of which hns been largely prowl, both in Great' Britain and on the Continent during tho present war. These camps will be at Rotorua in the North Island and Hanmer in the South Island. '. Tho object: of concentrating tho men is to have at hand full medical and nursing staffs, masseurs, and complete equipment to assist wounded and disabled men back to health. Military officers will bo placed in cliaTgo of these establishments, and the men will bo under discipline. Physical and military exercises will, be use<l for the purpose of assisting their restoration to health. Pull provision will bo made for recreation, and it is hoped that suitable workshops may be provided i.i means of recreation and instruction for the men. The Patriotic Committees are invited to assist in the establishment of these camps. It is intended that, each district which subscribes .£SOO and over shall have allocated to it a special portion of tho institution; soldiers from that district having a rieht of priority of occupation. Already Wnirarnpa, Hawke's Bay, Waand the Salvation Army have qualified for special pavilions at Rotorua by tho magnificent grants they have ijiven to that place. South Canterbury has subKcril>ed .£SOO for Hanmer, and Southland tß2oo. It is honed that other Patriotic Conimittoos will take part in establishing theso camps, tlnis relieving the war loan from charges for this purpose, and leaving the loan moneys to bo employed solely for tho m'osecution of the W 'Yhe convalescent camps will bo maintained from funds gunnlierl by (1) tho Patriotic Committees: (2) the Defence Department; and it is intended- that as soldiers in the hospitals become convalescent they should bo "finished off" at the convalescent camps, when they will be ready cither to return to tho firing lino or to rcsumo their civil employment. It is proposed, as nfui'thoi' aton towards in difficult ajul intractable Uoaa. -t&.-satahfah. jfta.

seaside, as it is found that in some eases sea-bathing exorcises a most beneficial effect on the men. When all these efforts fail the men will be advised to leave the camps, and either so under the Discharged Soldiers' Ucimrtment or apply for their pensions.

Mr. Russeil asked the delegates to refer the matter to their societies and to request them to render assistance to the Government.

Federation Proposals. Mr. Cyrus Williams (Christchurch) moved: "That it is very desirable that the Patriotic Committees in tho various districts should bo affiliated so that thero should be uniformity of action throughout the Dominion, and that each committee should have information as to what is being done by other committees." Tills motion was agroed to almost without debate. Mr. W. Ferguson then moved another motion to the effect that a meeting of representatives bo held at tho conclusion of the conference to consider how best to .give effect to the resolutions of tho conference, and generally to consider o.uostions of organisation and co-relation of tho several committees. This motion also was agreed to. A FEDERATION SCHEME . REAL PROGRESS MADE., An informal meeting at which most of the delegates attended was held at tho conclusion of the conference. Mr. W. Ferguson presidod. Mr. C. S. Cray (Tima.ru) urged that tho first point to bo decided was the determination of the basis of responsibility of committees to soldiers and their families. It must bo cither the port of enlistment or the domicile of the soldiers prior to their leaving. It was decided that tho domicile of a soldier at tho time of enlistment should be tho test of the responsibility of a committee to aid a soldier or his dependents, Subsequent disoussion showed that the exact determination of domicile might lead to disputes, shuffling of iesponsibillty, and acrimonious correspondence. It was then suggested that there should be an advisory board at some centre,' which board should be composed of representatives of different districts, to settle all questions in dispute. Mr. Cray, of Timaru, urged that the first essential to tho working of any scheme was tho obtaining' of a roll of young men who left New Zealand. This would prevent men from travelling through New Zealand fleecing every committee, as at least one man to his knowledge had already done. Some delegates thought that the compilation of this roll would be difficult, if not impossible, and, furthermore, that the' roll would not be needed. The majority of members appeared to agree that tho roll waa desirable, but the matter was not at once finally settled. Mr. D. M'Laren made the following posals:—"That for the purpose of forming a War Relief' Societies' Federation this conference hereby recommends to all patriotic committees: (1) That the local • ■committees be joined together as branches of a War Relief Association for this district. (2) That tho district associations Viu invited to agree to the establishment of a central board to exercise the functions of consultation and advice for the whole Dominion. ' (3) That periodic conferences be held of representatives of the several district associations."

This motion was agreed to. It was further agreed that it be a recommendation to the several societies that they should hold conferences with the object of forming amalgamations of.' societies within their several military dis- ' tricts;- ' It, was urged that the division into military districts would, be much more fair than into provincial districts, Tor the reason that some of the provinces were poor, and could not help themselves, Wheroas if the division into the four military districts were agreed-upon there. would be rich and poor areas in every district, and the rich could help the poor. It -was further agreed that the Mayors of the four centres should call tho conferences in their military.districts.

' [The discussion on War Pensions is reported in another part of this issue'.-]