PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 212, 2 June 1920, Page 6

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

QUESTION OF DISBURSEMENT OPINIONS OF N.Z.R.S.A. The disbursement of funds held t>y patriotic societies formed the subject of discussion by tho annual conference of tho N.Z.H.S.A. yesterday; Two resolutions on tho matter were submitted b.Y Mr. R, J. P. Aldrioh (Wellington), as follow:— "(1) That this conference is of opinion that the time has arrived wlien this various patriotic societicn should earmark a portion of their funds for permanently totally and permanently partially disabled soldiers, and for the men who aro breaking down from time to time us a result of their military service." "(2) Tlvit this conference is of opinion that the practice of paying cash grants to permanently disabled' soldiers, according to tho schedule of pension, is inadvisable, and urges that each (as© bo. treated on its merits, having due regard to tho economic loss of the soldier."

Mr. Aldrich said that it had como to , tho notico of them all that there were patriotic societies in the Dominion who were seeking to disburso their funds immediately, and they wsro making grants to soldiers according to tho specific nature of their injuries. It was felt that tho practice should be stopped, for thero were, still a good many men who required assistance. General Chaytor had informed him that tho number of soldiers who had been discharged fit after service in Palestine, and who had since been admitted to hospital suffering from diabetes, was alarming. Mr. Aldrich said these men would want assistance, and they had • a right to look for it in tho same way as other disabled men. Mr. T. Long (Te Arohti) detailed tho measures that were adopted by the Auckland Patriotic Association. Ho contended that it was a sound, principle that grants made to soldiers by patriotic societies should be takon up as second mortgages. Tho Auckland Association examined each man's case very carefully, and it had not "fiddled" away its funds in the way that some southern associations Imd "done. Mr. D. J. 13. Seymour 6aid thero seemed to bo an impression amongst somo patriotic societies that 'because they had, got a certain amount of money they had to get rid of it. In the early days peonlo subscribed generously becauso they did not know the extent to which tho money might ho wanted. Patriotic societlies . should be reminded by the conferenco that it did not expect them to disburse their funds apart from tho purposes for which they were subscribed. Tho resolutions were enrried.