WAR RELIEF CHAIRMANSHIP

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2931, 17 November 1916, Page 6

WAR RELIEF CHAIRMANSHIP

HON. J. T. PAUL'S ATTITUDE ' ON CONSCRIPTION. .. .. | ■Yesterday the.Hon. J. T. Paul -resigned the chairmanship of the Advisory Board of the Federation of N,ew Zealand Patriotic War Belief Societies. ■ -When the- board assembled, Mr. Paul presented the following letter: — "The Chairman and Members of the Advisory Board. "Gentlemen, — ' "I understand that several members of the board disagree with my attitude with regard to conscription in Australia. I regret the difference of opinion. Taking into consideration the fact that the powers of the board are purely advisory, and that its success depends in large- part on. the harmony of its proceedings, and the co-operation of affiliated societies, I feel 1 should place my resignation of the office of chairman in your hands. v "The interests of our soldiers and their dependants must have iirst consideration, and I feel I must do nothing which would in tho slightest, degree affect their interests. As in the past, every effort will be put forward by mo to make the board a valuable institution for co-ordinating tho work of patriotic societies, and my fellow members may continue, to count on my most cordial co-operation to that end. :' '.'■'This is not the place to consider whether conscription i s 'right or wrong. I give way to no man in my desire to see the war won by the Allies, but I vigorously contest the idea expressed in some quarters that only the cons'criptionist is loyal and entitled to assume „the responsibility of controlling patriot funds. Our duty is' to use our resources to win tho war and to recognise in tangible form the sacrifices made by the men who have served their country in the hour of need. "Thanking my fellow members fortheir full co-operation in the past, and /hoping that our work will bo as successful in the future, > ' . "J. T. PAUL." . Tho matter was considered in committee, and the following resolutions were passed:— Tho Advisory Board (a) Begrets that it considers it necessary to accept Mr. Paul's resignation as chairman, (b) Desires to place on the minutes its appreciation of the work done by Mr. Paul as chairman of the board. Mr. L. 0. H. Tripp, of Wellington',was then elected chairman of the board.