WAR RELIEF

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2670, 17 January 1916, Page 2

WAR RELIEF

,—4 ADMINISTRATION OF AUCKLAND FUND MAYOR AND MINISTER A remarkable statement regarding tho administration of the patriotic funds by tho Auckland Provincial Patriotic and "War Relief Association has been mado by tho Hon. G. W. Russell, Minister oi' Internal Affairs (states tho "New Zealand Herald"). While in Taumarunui the Minister discussed the action of tho Auckland executive in refusing to place patriotic funds at the disposal of the Government, and he is reported to have said lhac "these funds had been raised for the benefit of men who had sacrificcd their all. Tho money raised in Auckland was not being used for that purpose, hut was being loaned out for long periods, so that soldiers who needed it just now could not touch it. If something was not dono soon lie would enlighten the people of Auckland as to how their money was being spent. He was in a position to do this." A reply to the Minister's allegations has heen made by the Mayor and the president of the Auckland Association, Mr. J. H. Gunson. "It is difficult to conceive upon what grounds the Hon. G. W. Russell has attacked tho Auckland Patriotic Association as he is reported to havo done.at Taumarunui," said Mr. Gunson, in tho course of a reply published in the "Herald." "Tho fact that the association's policy is not in accord with the Minister's idoas and that the executive will not vote to his Department for hospitals and equipment substantial amounts from its funds, affords no justification for inaccurate statements, which are as unjust as they are ineffective." "Mr. Russell is reported to havo made an unwarrantable charge against the Auckland administration that its funds have uot been used for the purpose for which they were raised, but the money is being loaned out for long periods, so that tho soldiers who needed it just now could not touch it. Auckland, therefore, stands charged with misappropriation of its 'patriotic funds. In reply, I say emphatically that such statements, are absolutely contrary to fact. : The Auckland executive is quite capable of managing its affairs. Its policy is publicly approved, for on the public platform in 20 centres throughout tho province, on behalf of tho association, I laid down a policy both of administration and investment, and I submitted tobies over a period of 21 years, which were overywhere endorsed. The Auckland executive has a clear mandate from tho people of tho province, who provided tho money, aaid there will be no diversion." "The Minister's unwarrantable charge constitutes an attack upon overy branch of the association throughout tho province. All its committees, 20 in number in the various provincial centres have unrestricted powers to <irj,w on the funds for everything necessary and needful within their function. Their drafts are actually, coming through and being honoured. The interest of the province in this large fund is determined solely by tho necessities of the wounded and their dependents, and money wherever required is promptly available." "I feel suro tliat the attack of tho Minister docs not represent the considered policy of tho Government, and the sooner a responsible statement is made on behalf of the Government as to its policy in regard to hospital equipment and also homes, the earlier will the public understand the position. If tho Government says definitely that it requires assistance iu this connection it will be a question of creating and providing what is required from another fund."