PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20095, 15 November 1939, Page 5

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

COLLECTION METHODS BOARDS AND COUNCILS EARNEST DEFENCE MADE MR. T. JORDAN’S APPEAL "A week ago we had the privilege oi listening to an eloquent appeal by His Excellency the Governor-General on behalf of patriotic funds. I should like, very respectfully and very earnestly. to second his appeal. We in this country are singularly blessed in the inheritance of orderly freedom that lias come n> us from our fathers.

“All this is challenged in. the present struggle, and our fighting men are answering the call. They have not stayed to count the cost, but have offered themselves and all their hopes for tag defence of their country and its just cause," said Mr. T. Jordan, chairman of the National Patriotic Council, in an earnest defence of the system of patriotic fund control instituted by the Government.

'I lie chairman pointed oul that in the light of experience gained in the Great War, when there were about (100 war funds and more than 1000 collecting agencies in New Zealand, some measure of control and direction was obviously necessary if the maximum benefit was to be obtained from the generous patriotic impulse of the people for the benefit of the men whom it was intended to help. Drawn to Definite Plan "II the regulations are carefully examined it will be found that they have been drawn to a definite plan to prevent waste and overlapping, and 1 believe that if they are given a generous and sympathetic interpretation we shall be able to build up a very efficient system of administration for patriotic funds." he stated.

Mr. Jordan proceeded to explain the functions of his board, and also the authority of the Minister of Internal Affairs, and the powers vested in tlie provincial councils. He also mentioned the one approved patriotic purpose so far gazetted in the supply of comforts, conveniences, and special equipment to members of the forces.

It was suggested that though the provincial councils were charged with substantial obligations, in practice the wielding of this authority would fall into the hands of the chairman of the council, especially in regard to deciding who might carry on collecting for particular areas. The general method of delegating authority and of accounting for moneys raised for patriotic purposes was also reviewed by Mr. .Jordan. Best Interests of the Forces "1 hope that what I have said may help to clear away the last traces of misunderstanding as to the control and administration of patriotic funds, and you may rest assured that any moneys contributed by you will be spent in the best interests of tire forces," said the national chairman. “We mav not be able to follow the example of those who have offered themselves for the defence of their country, but at least wc can devote ourselves, in our own interests and in theirs, to their support and encouragement, and thus make our defence united and universal, "On behalf of the forces I appeal to all citizens to make common cause in this patriotic effort, and' to give in generous measure to the funds. Forget all about boards and councils, if you will, but keep always in your minds the picture of the soldier, his responsibilities, his sufferings and his sacrifice, and I am confident that New Zealand will not fail him.”