PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20042, 14 September 1939, Page 4

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

EARLY LEAD REQUIRED LOCAL EFFORT NECESSARY MOOD OF THE PUBLIC R.S.A. OFFERS FACILITIES Emphasising the fact that many men from this district already are serving ’heir country and Empire in New Zealand and abroad, the executive of the Gisborne Returned Soldiers’ Association last evening called attention to the need for a district patriotic fund, and offered its assistance and the use of its office facilities. Members of the executive were unanimous in the view that substantial sums will be needed to equip men going into camp, and to assist their dependents. The opinion was expressed that the lack of an organisation ready to handle patriotic contributions was being l'eit already, and that the setting up of such a committee was of prime importance. In the course of a lengthy meeting of the executive, the question of what steps the association could take to assist men going into camp was brought up. and it was agreed that every effort should be made to demonstrate to the “new Diggers" the comradely feeling of those who fought in the Great War.

It was pointed out that numbers of volunteers might have difficulties which the experience of returned soldiers could assist them in solving: and that the advisory services of the secretary and executive members might be appreciated not only by those accepting the call to service, but also by dependents of these men. Public Enthusiasm A member of the executive pointed out that many people felt the urge to assist in outfitting the men who were accepted for service, -and also in keeping touch with the New Zealanders who had gone overseas to serve in Imperial forces such' as the Royal Air Force. There being no organisation. available to carry out the detailed work, and to handle the funds, the enthusiasm of these people was being stifled.

The speaker drew attention to the events of 1914, when at the outbreak of war avenues were opened for the collection and administration of patriotic funds, and through these avenues flowed a huge total of contributions inspired by public admiration of the men who were prepared to face the hardships and dangers of service overseas.

He added that one group of working men with which lie was associated had already decided upon a definite form of contribution to patriotic funds in this district, and that the product of their .joint contribution should represent a handsome sum.

That money would be held in trust until a properly-organised committee representing al! interests was in operation. The action of the group illustrated the general urge on the part of the public to do something for the new generation of fighting men, and it was of some importance that there should not be any time lost in providing an official outlet for public generosity. District Fund After further discussion, the meeting passed the following motion, proposed by Mr. A. S. Muir: — “That the executive of the Gisborne Returned Soldiers’ Association recognises from past experience that substantial patriotic funds will toe required to assist men from this district who answer their country’s call, and the dependents of those men, and as there are already men from this district in camp and serving overseast the executive calls attention to the need for a district patriotic fund. It offers the assistance of its organisation and office facilities to that end, and pending the setting up of a central committee, the association will receive, in trust, any donations forthcoming from the public.” The following further motion, proposed by Colonel R. F. Gambrill, was adopted: “That the association, realising that its members may be in a position to tender useful advice or assistance to intending volunteers, offers its advisory services freely and fully.” Those present at the meeting were Colonel R. F. Gambrill, and Messrs. A. S. Muir, G. Bradley Smith, G. C. Jones, P. W. Bushnell, G. Crawshaw, P. A. Gordon, W. Oakderi, and A. H. Miller, secretary.