Y.M.C.A. WAR FUNDS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 272, 13 August 1919, Page 7

Y.M.C.A. WAR FUNDS

QUESTIONS ABOUT AUDIT

MINISTER HAS NO SUSPICIONS OF

IMPROPRIETY

Questions have been asked by the War Funds Office recently regarding the continuance of expenditure by such bodies as tho Y.M.C.A. from their war funds on camps within this country, now that the war is over. A deputation representing tho executive of the Y.M.C.A., waited.on the Minister of internal Affairs (the Hon. G. W. Russell) yesterday for the purpose of explaining to liiin various matters in connection with the relationship of tho war funds section-o-the Internal Affairs Department' to the y.M.C.A. and its work in military hospitals in Trentham and elsewhere in New Zealand. Tlio War Funds Office had asked for certain information rcgardiiu; the balance-sheets and returns. The Minister was informed that a complete bal-ance-sheet had now been prepared, and was,in the hands of the auditors acting for the Government for this purpose. A further explanation arising out of the balance-sheet, and statements would. be available to the secretary of the War Funds Office when asked for.

The Minister expressed -satisfaction with the information given, and said that it was. of course, absolutely necessary that the'Y.M.C.A. and all other patriotic bodies should strictly obey the law as regards the preparation of their bal-ance-sheets, and supply all information that might be required by the War Funds Office. He had every confidence in the secretary of the War Funds Department, and ho felt euro that any steps he had taken had not been taken with tho idea of harassing the executive, but in order to comply strictly with the letter of tho lav.\ Possibly the Departmental officers had raised questions of policy, such, for instance, as. the relationship of the Red Cress Society and the Y.M.C.A. with the military camps. The point at which each society' should begin and end its operations was a matter of policy, which he would bo prepared to decide on broad issues so soon as they came before.him. For this purpose he would bo prepared to consult with, tho Minister of Defence in. order that a, satisfactory basis might be prepared.to prevent the two societies from overlapping in their work. The suggestion was ma'de that possibly a conference of representatives of' the Red Cross, the Y.M.C.A.. tho War Funds Of lice, and the military authorities would bo the best method of bringing about a clear definition of the respective responsibilities.

Continuing, tho Minister said he desired on the part of tho Government to express •the highest appreciation of tho work done, not only in Now Zealand, but in every field of war, by tho Y.M.C.A. This had been rendered possible by tho splendid manner in which the people of lNew Zealand had responded to their appeals for money. As Minister in Charge of War Funds, he desired to place his approval upon tho work that had been done by tho Y.M.C.A. for our men, and to express the opinion that the association had been of untold benefit to the boys who had been away. Ho was satisfied there iwas no legitimate ground of complaint in connection with . the expenditure of tho association funds.- He was watching very carefully a movement that had been set up for the apparent purpose of singling out the Y.M.C.A. for criticism and inquiry. The object of selecting this one society, whose work had 'been so successful, it was difficult to see. no, was quite satisfied that'tho honesty, integrity, and patriotism of the management of the Y.M.C.A. would stand every, test that could be applied. There were doubtless matters under consideration by the War Funds Office which required explanation. These inquiries, however, did not in any way question .the honesty of tho administration of tho funds, 'but were required for tho balancing and synchronising of the funds in' various theatres for audit purposes. He wished to assure the deputation that the Government would tako no part in any inquiry on the assumption that there had been improper dealings with tho fundsHint while: the Government would take care to see that every legitimate inquiry was followed up, it was not going to assume that a body of gentlemen who had devoted large sums of money, had given their time, and had dono what the Y.M.C.A. management had done, were not worthy of their trust. He was making these remarks as a member of tho Government and as Minister in Chargo of War Funds. Finally, the Government was not going to take part in any movement that would have the effect of dishonouring the magnificent work the association had performed, not only in New Zealand, but throughout the whole of the Eriipire. The deputation heartily thanked the Minister for his reply. ,