CARNIVALS AND ART UNIONS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3137, 16 July 1917, Page 6

CARNIVALS AND ART UNIONS

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—l Beu by your paper that at the Anglican Synod, on the motion oi' Mr. W. Birch, it was resolved that the method of raising money lor the <eliei' of soldiers and /their dependants bff carnivals, art unions, and similar expedients were- not only harmful iu their tendency, but unworthy of the sacrifice our men were making.. I think there will bo many who do not agree with this. Looked at from Mr. Birch's point of view, ho is probably right, if lie wishes to support any good object he sits down, writes a cheque, aaid sends it—he can afford it. But take, thousands of other cases that would like to help a good cause, like the Gripped Soldiers' Hostel, for example, but it , is impossible for them to send a cheque, and it is to enable them to give tilieir mite not once, but every week if they like, that art unions and raffles are started, and if there is, say, a sporting chance of also becoming the owner erf a motor-car or soal-skin coat—well, tile sporting instinct is strong in our .nation, or whore should we be now. But speaking from my experience, most people will take a ticket willingly to cnaWe them to give their bit. It's the same in the patriotic shop; they probaby only have Is. or 6d. over to spare, and would not dream ot going into the shop and giving it—but they take a ticket knowing the money is going to help "our hoys." the ticket representing to them fhe giving up of some little bit of pleasure for their sake, so I cannot see they can be so very harmful or unworthy of the sacrifics oui men are making, especially as manv people make o real sacrifice in prOT.ns? a valuable prize to be raffled for.—l am etc., A COUNTRYWOMAN. July 10, 1917.