FUNDS FOR SOLDIERS' CLUBS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 184, 30 April 1919, Page 6

FUNDS FOR SOLDIERS' CLUBS

I MINISTER'S ACTION CRITICISED.

By Telegraph—Press Association.

, Christchurch, April 29. At the annual meeting of the Returned Soldiers* Association it was decided to males ■applieation for greater representation of ilie association on the Hepatization Board; to ask tli'c Government to declare Anzac Day a statutory .holiday; aiid to protest to the Defence Department against the practice of closing hotels when drafts of soldiers return.

, The following resolution was carried unanimously:—"This meeting expresses strong resentment at tho attitude of tho Hon. G. W. Russell towards the aspira. lions'.of the association, and notes -with, regret,his efforts to stop appeals to tho public for funds for the purpose of erect, ing suitable club rooms for the recreation of returned soldiers at.Timriru, but rejoices that the pressure of public opiiv ion caused the'' withdrawal of his opposition. It now desires to draw attentior. to his refusal to permit the trustees of the Lady Liverpool Fund to carry out their desire to devote a sum oi money to the needs.of our building fund."

•JTho Hon. G. W. Russell, replying to the criticism of his refusal to sanction the transfer of oCDOOO from tho Lady Liverpool Fund to the Soldiers' Club ( Building Fund, said the veto was imposed on the direct advice of Ihe Solicitor-General. , The purpose of tho fund having ceased, it came under tho War Fluids Act automatically. That Act made no provision for such transfer, and he would/not create tho precedent.

Mr. Russell added that the patriotio funds totalled £1,700,000, raised for the benefit of soldiers and their dependants, and they should be maintained as a sacred heritage; but there was undoubtedly hoarding, and lie would shortly publish a statement of funds of over ,£IO,OOO, showing the revenues received, tho amounts paid over for the last year, and the credit balances. This would ba an eye-opener for the people, and especially for ■ the soldiers, who should seek to protect tho funds, and should have more direct control or partnership in tlicir management. He hoped, that increased- representation of soldiers on tho War Funds Council would soon bo given.'. ■