PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 June 1917, Page 3

PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

POOLING FOR NATIONAL, SERVICES

At the Conference of the Returned,. Soldiers Association at Dunedin last, week there was a lengthy discussion >on the poolng of Patriotic Funds for National purposes. Mr. Harper (Wellington) moved: “That (this Conference is of the opinion that the time lias arrive when tlio Government should take over all Patriotic Funds as the nucleus of a Fund to be supplemented by moneys raisel by taxation for itlio benefit of returned soldiers. Under a. national board each case would bo treated on its merits and each case would get a grant tlinifc it deserved. As it is now, the funds we, t administered in a provincial way ana grants to men were not equal.' A man in one town might receive a ccuun sum and a man in another town a smaller sum and the man who go!t, the smaller sum might he a worthier man If the principle of supporting a returned soldier by a Patriotic Society was right then every person in the country ought to subscribe towards by way of tax. * Mr. Haycock seconded the motion. Tire Chairman pointed out that tne motion did not refer to funds collected for special purposes such as the Belgian Fund but only to Patriotic Funds. Mr. Rothery (Auckland) saru Auckland Patriotic Society had refused the Returned Soldier’s Association representation in its committee.

Mr. Mc'Callum (Christchurch) said the manner in which patriotic funds were being distributed was great dissatisfaction to the returned men. Some men on their return received £u and others elsewhere got nothing, tr rue money was given in one centre it should ho given in all centres. The present practice was, a strong argument for the nationalisation of the funds. The motion was carried.