DIMINISHING FUNDS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 125, 28 May 1937, Page 11

DIMINISHING FUNDS

EX-SQLDIERS' NEEDS

COMMITTEE'S PROBLEMS The need for carefully husbanding thie rapidly-diminishing resources was stressed by Colonel J. J. Esson, chairman, at a recent meeting of the Great War Funds Administrative Committee of the Order of St. John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society. Colonel Esson said that as time passed it was found that the needs of ex-soldiers and their dependants became greater. "It is only a question of some months before we shall have seriously to consider | realising some of our securities" in order to meet the claims of the returned men which are not altogether covered by pensions," he added. There were also present Lady Wigram, 0.8. E., Mrs. T. H. Lowry, 0.8. E., Miss E. King, Sir Charles Statham, Sir James Gunson, ; C.M.G., C.8.E., Sir James Elliott, Sir Alexan r der Roberts, K.8.E., Dr. A. R. Falconer, Major J. Abel, Mr. C. M. Luke, Miss I. McLean, M.8.E., and Mr. C. S. Falconer. The chairman, in opening the meeting, referred to the passing of Lady Luke and the great service she had rendered to the community and the soldiers in particular. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect and the secretary was instructed to forward a letter of r indolence to the bereaved. Advice was received that Mr. E.. C. Hale had been elected as delegate on the committee from the N.Z.R.S.A. The chairman welcomed Mr. Hale, and observed that the addition of a representative from the R.S.A. was appreciated by all. Mr: Hale's experience would be most helpful in the important work on behalf of ex-sesvicemen with which the committee was associ- ' Opportunity was taken by the meeting to congratulate Mrs. T. H. Lowry, Sir James Elliott, Colonel Falconer, and Mr. J. W. Jack on the distinction recently conferred upon them by the authorities at St. John's Gate, England. v SERVICES EULOGISED. Speaking for the Commandery in New Zealand, Colonel Esson expressed unqualified thanks to those ladies and gentlemen who for so many years had been so actively and usefully employed in the administration of the funds raised under the joint name of the order and the society. His colleagues, representing the order, were proud to be now associated with them and »ie felt confident that the relationship in the great work would continue to be harmonious and pleasant. Negotiations which had culminated in the merger agreement had v been successfully carried through. In this respect he wished to mention Mrs. T. H. Lowry, Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, Sir James Elliott, Messrs. L. O. H. Tripp, C. G. White, Major Abel, and others. Copies of the merger agreement and rules and constitution' of the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and N.Z. Red Cross Society were received from the honorary solicitor. Steps are to be taken to finalise the agreement by seeking the necessary legislation when Parliament next meets. A statement was received showing disbursements by the respective committees on behalf of ex-Imperial soldiers in distress due to war disability. The amount of £311 3s Id received from the authorities in England for this purpose had been allocated to district committees who were,responsible for disbursements. It was reported that negotiations with the Department of Health for the taking over of equipment at Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer, had been in progress, the Department making an offer which the committee decided to accept. __ . .■ i I