PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 128, 3 June 1919, Page 10

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

NEW ZEALAND'S CONTRIBUTIONS.

(Dl TEI/SGBAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) . CHRISTCHUP.CH, 2nd June. The Hon. G. W. Russell" gave to the press to-day columns of figures showing the contributions to the War Fund by the people of New Zealand and the sums still in hand in the different funds. The returns show that,moneys have been collected as follow up to 31st March, 1919.— ' . Total

Commenting on the state of patriotic funds, the Hon. Mr. G. W. Russell said the idea that the Government wished to "collar" these funds was absolutely preposterous. As the Minister responsible' for the administration of these funds he had no authority to go beyond tho law, as interpreted by the Crown law officers. To say, as had been said, that he was seeking to hide ' behind the opinion of the Solicitor-General was simply preposterous and unworthy of serious comment. Throughout if had been his determination not to set a precedent which poukl be urged to the disadvantage of soldiers in days to come. "I am bound by the law as it stands," added Mr. Russell, "and from that point during tho few months I remain in office I don't intend to move." The time might come— and that very soon—when some of the funds, whose objects had ceased, might be brought under review by the Supreme Court with a view to determining what should bo done with the money in hand.

collected.' In hand. £ £ ted Cross funds 1,210,223 210,513 it. John Ambulance 42,106 5,892 iady Liverpool Fund 44,426 6,132 3hurch funds 614,445 93,551 Special and sundry funds 142,406 / 27,012 'unds that should be remitted Home ... 60,201 8,845 Totals'' 2,113,887 351,955