FOR THE FRENCH

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 225, 11 June 1918, Page 3

FOR THE FRENCH

BIG EFFORT TO BE MADE. A big effort is about to be made throughout New Zealand to do something of a practical character to- assist the bravo French people who, perhaps worst of all, nro feeling the numbing pinch of war without having at their command those forces of amelioration that are available in tho case of English, American, and colonial people. The French arc fighting in their own land— arc fighting to retain what has been theirs for centuries past—and mean to fight on to the bitter end. Everyone admires the courage, and resourceful industry of the French, and it is the intention of people of. standing throughout New Zealand to do. something that will give a little relief to the suffering millions of our gallant Ally. There are many great causes in France desperately in need of financial aid. It must he remembered that 2d. a day is nil tho French soldier receives, and out of that he cannot provide allotments and allowances as tho New Zealand soldier can. Those left behiryl must fend for themselves as best they can—and they do. There are funds for the blind, tho maimed, for the orphan children of I'Vench soldiers, for mothers and prospective mothers, and for convalescents. Without resources such as England possesses funds are not so readily available for the best treatment and comforts such as our own soldiers enjoy. It is therefore the intention of tho Ccrcle Francais in Wellington to endeavour to raise funds for tho various objects enumerated, as a compliment from New Zealand to tho undying valour of Franco in the present conflict. To place the proposal on a business footing j the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke, C.M.G.) is calling a meeting for this evening, and nil sympathisers are invited to be present. The Hon. Sir James Allen (Act-ing-Primo Minister) and his colleagues have been invited, and it is .anticipated flint as the, outcome! the basis of a definite programme of action will bo kid down.