REHABILITATION FUNDS.

Evening Star, Issue 23683, 17 September 1940, Page 5

REHABILITATION FUNDS.

TO THE EDITOR - Sir, —In reading the letter signed “ Critical,” I could not help feeling what a pity that such a deserving cause should be hindered by fault-finding- and a lot of mixed feelings. I could not let this opportunity pass without expressing /my appreciation of the benefits received from this fund. 1 think the Otago Patriotic Welfare Association is to be complimented on the way it has handled the fbnds, and still has some for a “ rainy day.” There are still many returned soldiers who, though able to work yet, are gradually breaking up, and it may be necessary for them to appeal for help, which, when their cases are genuine, will be given.

Being the wife of a returned soldier, I have reason to be very grateful for such an association. Twenty-three years ago my husband came back from war a sick man. We had three children of school age, so stood in need of present help. The association supplied us with blankets, parcels of clothing, new and good, also food and cheques till my husband was able to start his work again. Years later my husband was in hospital for six weeks. Again the association came to our help, which was really a Godsend to us. People cannot absolutely live on this fund. It would not be fair to others, but I do believe that not a really deserving case is turned away. It is all very easy for one to tell another man how he should do his job, but God help the soldiers if the reins got into some people’s hands. There would be “ gey little ” left for some of our returned soldiers who are breaking up. Mr Grace is not a personal friend of mine, and I don’t think he would remember me if I walked into his office. 1 think he has worked faithfully for the association, and considering the thousands of applications for help that have passed through his hands, it is only natural that there may he some who were not just quite pleased. As I said before, the fund is not to live on eompletely, and anyone with any principle should know that. I do not believe that anything “ Critical ” or any other person can say will prevent the public from responding to such a worthy cause. Think of it! Our bright New Zealand hoys are fighting to defend us, with less luxury and less cash in their pockets than wo have. They are worthy of the very best that we can give them. So fire ahead, ye Britishers, swell the funds till the boys eonie inarching home again. This is no time for bickerings; wo want to win the war. Let ns all do our part, the great with the small,

and we’ll never regret it when we see the happy lads once again parading our streets. —I am, etc., .. Wife of 8/3791. September 13.