FOR THE BEREFT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2797, 15 June 1916, Page 6

FOR THE BEREFT

SAILORS' WIDOWS AND CHILDREN. The Wellington Branch of the Navy League is losing as little time as possible in making their effort on behalf of the widows and children of the men of the Hoyal Navy who lost their lives during the present war. At a general meeting of the league and lady helpers held in the Concert.Chamber yesterday afternoon (the Mityor, Mr. J. P. Luke, presiding), it wus decided to broaden the object of the. effort.. Up till tho present the idea has been to devote the money collected to those widows and children whose breadwinners, were lost in the Battle of Jutland, but on the suggestion of Mr. C. H. Smith it was docided that tho money collected shall be for the relief of the dependants of all; men of the .Royal Navy who, perish, .whilst in the performance of their duty to King ana country. The effect of that decision will no doubt be to create a permanent fund, which could be forwarded to England in drafts as it is raised. It was also decided, on the motion of Mr. C. R. Smith, that the executive should approach the Government with the request that all moneys collected during the three days, commencing this morning, should be subsidised by, the Government. Mr. C. W. Palmer (secretary- of the league) intimated to the meeting his desire to retire, on the ground that lie was already overburdened with work, and did not very well see how he was to carry on the work in connection with the effort. Tho chairman said that Mr. Palmer was altogether too good a man to lose,, and expressed his appreciation of the work lie had done in Wellington and elsewhere, for the league. It was. decided not to accept Mr. Palmer's resignation, but; to givo him as much assistance as they could to lighten h!a duties. •Mrs. J. P. Luke announced siat tlie Victoria League would supply the workers with afternoon tea, and Mrs. Waters, in whose hands tho arrangement of sta-' tions was left, gave information under that heading, announcing that tlie members of tho Women's National Reserve, the Wellington South Nursing Guild, and the AVellington Nursing Guild would assist.. Every collection-box to be used during tlie three days—to-day, Friday, and Saturday—will bear- the Navy League's badge. They will be stamped and numbered and screwed, and will only be opened (at Harcourt's Rooms) in the presence of two responsible members of the league. x

BIG CONCERT TO-MORROW.-A concert arranged by the Countess of Glasgow in aid of the wives and children of the sailors who lost their lives in the recent great sea battk will be given in the Town Hall to-morrow evening. ' A first-class programme has been arranged (particulars of which will be published to-morrow), sufficiently attractive in itself to attract a large audience. But apart from the talent to be employed, loyalty to those who have died for their country should appeal to everyone. Tickets are being rapidly disposed of. Yesterday a bundle was sent along to the fruit markets, where a hundred ss. tickets were sold, JSo worth each being purchased by Townsend and Paul. Geo. Thomas and Co., Laerjr and Co.. Thompson Bros., and Griffiths and Co. Hie box plan is at the Bristol Piano Company.