THE BELGIANS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 4 March 1915, Page 3

THE BELGIANS.

LEiiEK FiiUM MR i-IELD, Al.i».

The following letter has been sout to the Premier oi *\ow Ze-aiaaid by Mr W H. Field, Si.i>. for tnis electorate : — Wellington, 2oth Feb. 11)15. The Rt. Hon. \V. F. Alassey Dear Mr ALassey,—With respect to the sad plight ol' the Belgian people concerning which a pathetic appeal reached us from tho Belgium Relief Commission a few days ago, I desire t<> express to you tho view 1 havo hold ail along on the subject ol' contributio is from this country, not only to the Belgian Fund, .but also to the Patriotic and other funds established in consequence of the war. There is no question that not only our Empire, but every civilised country, is under a deop debt of gratitude k> tho Belgians, anu this debt can never bo fully paid. Tlntr .brave defence of their country, and ftfvlendid resistance to Gorman aggression at the outset of tho war, just ga/o England and France the necessary time to prepare for the prevention of a world-wide disaster. The resulting loss, ruin and misery, Belgium and Hs people have suffered, and will yet si.ffer is incalculable. iiut plain duty is -i put forth overy effort to relieve the distress.. But while I would not for a moment discourage private contributions, I am strongly of opinion that tlu main burden should be borno by the State itself. If we give from the Public Treasury then one ami all of us will furnish our share, whereas if we mai il> depend on private generosity ma ay wiU escape who are able to help. I an. aware that the matter is under Government's consideration, and that it i>. urgently necessary to como to an im mediate decision. I strongly advocate such a substantial monthly contribution from our public funds a< l will constitute at least Now Zealand's fair proportion of tho amount needed, always provided of course that wo enn be assured that any moripy or good* provided by us shall reach the Belgians, not the Germans.—Yours faithfully W. H. FIELD.