PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20104, 25 November 1939, Page 16

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

UNCERTAINTY REMOVED DIRECT PUBLIC APPEAL DECISION IN GISBORNE "Now we know that the men- are going overseas we should endeavour to make some effort to raise funds for the men of this district,” said Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., yesterday afternoon, speaking as chairman at the meeting of the East Coast Provincial Patriotic Council. “Anyone can take this matter in hand, but they must have the approval of this council.

Mr. R. F. Gambrill said that tho public was looking to the council to make a request to them, and consideration should be given to what form the appeal should take. He mentioned that the organisation in Auckland had arranged a flag day for yesterday.

Mr. A. L. Tempest: A direct appeal should be made to the public.

Uncertainty Stayed Hands

The uncertainty of the movements of the men had made the position difficult, said Mr, Coleman, as it was not known if their efforts in raising money or the funds would be needed. It looked now as though the men would be going overseas, although there was nothing definite yet. He promised to make an appeal to the public.

“We want to make this a community effort and let the citizens understand that we do not want to take the matter out of their hands. The council was formed to control the fund,” said Mr. Coleman.

The fact that people did not know who they should approach or what procedure they should adopt when intending to make an appeal was mentioned by Mr. F. R. Ball.

Mr. Coleman said that wlieh he was making his appeal he would make that point clear to the public.

There were present Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., chairman, Mrs. G. A. Nicholls, Messrs. R. P. Baigent. J. H. Hall. A. L. Tempest, F. Tolerton. T. Todd, James Chrisp, I. J. Quigley. A. J. Nicol, W. Kohn, G.-Burns, E. L. Adams, R. F. Gambrill, F. R. Ball, A. G. Hicks, Captain Pr Smith of the Salvation Army, and the hon. secretary, Mr. W. M. Jenkins.