ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1918, Page 4

ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

NATIONAL WAR-PONDS

COUNCIL

THURSDAY, APRIL II

A meeting of the Executive was held at the County Chambers at 2.35 o’clock. Present: —Messrs G. A. Perry (Chairman). J. Grimmond, A. Clifton, A. A. Androwes, D. J. Evans, and Sergt-Major Atkins, D.C.M. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Ward. Brook and Captain Colclougli. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and the outward correspondence was approved. [INWARI> CORRESPOND ENCE.

Prom Discharged Soldiers Information Department, giving particulars of enlarged scheme'for the'training and employment of partially disabled soldiers in workshops, • factories, etc —Received. It was pointed out that the scheme was a liberal one in the best interests of the men. Returned discharged men desirous of availing themselves of the scheme should approach the Patriotic Society or communicate direct with the Department in Wellington. . Prom same, notifying employment obtained for certain Westland men.— Received with thanks. It was stated that the Overseas Club. Hamilton Street, was to be made a bureau where information pertaining to employment for discharged men would be available. Prom* Soldiers’ Financial Assistance Board, replying to enquiries on behalf of soldiers’ dependents, and promising every consideration in regnect to complaints.—Received. Prom Pensions’ Board, notifying pensions granted for period in Westland,

Prom Canterbury Patriotic Fund, claiming £8 15/ advances made to Soldier’s dependents.—Received and paid. Prom Auckland Patriotic Fund, asking refund of £lB for advances to returned Westland soldier in hospital.—Received and agreed to.

Prom a returned soldier settled in Tasmania, asking for a grant of £25 to assist in buying into a local business.—Received. The Chairman said the application had been sent to the Mayor of the town to enquire as to the advisability of making the grant. If a. favorable reply were received the grant would be made; action approved. Prom Greymouth Patriotic Association, writing in reference to clothing and other allowances to returned Westland men.—Received. The grants asked for wore approved and passed for payment. From same, in the case of a Grey district soldier asking certain relief be granted and debited to the Greymouth Association- Received and acted upon. It was explained the man liad now been sent to Wellington where employment would be found for him by the Discharged Soldiers branch.

Prom South Westland returned soldier, asking for grant to supplement the Government mufti allowance.—Received and £3 10/ voted.

From a Westland soldier in Christchurch, applying for grant.—Received and referred to the Canterbury Society for report. From Cambridge War Relief Committee, asking grant of £4 for Westland soldier.— Received and approved.

From Chief Health Officer, declining to pay hospital account for a returned soldier as there was no evidence to show the illness was attributable to military service.—Received and referred to Westland Hospital Board. From Canterbury Association, asking grant of £1 for Westland soldier going harvesting.—Received and approved. The Secretary slated he had met the man in Christchurch, and he stated he was lepaying the advance with other moneys received, shortly. From returned Westland soldier, thanking the Committee very cordially for the assistance and help given him. —Received with approval. From Rotorua Committee, asking support to a Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Club to be erected at Rotorua for the benefit of all soldiers.—Received and consideration deferred.

From French War Orphans Fund, making urgent appeal for funds. Received and referred to the Ad visory Board.

From Advisory Board, supplying decisions of the War Pensions Board. —Received with thanks.

Fsom Same, recommending that as a general principle no relief should be granted to dependents of deserters or of soldiers undergoing imprisonment for civil or military crime, subject to special circumstances warranting same.—Received. From same, stating it was proposed to contribute £3,0(J0 to the New Zealand War Contingent Association in London as a fund for fit men visiting England ; the quota due by the West Coast patriotic societies was £llO, of which £24 10/ was payable by Westland.—Received and amount passed for payment. From same, stating it was proposed to establish a common fund of £15,000 a year to provide regimental funds for all New Zealand soldiers in lien of each military area providing for its own regiment, the amount to be called up in three payments during the year. Of the first £5,000 the West Coast quota was £lB4, the Westland contribution of this payment being £4l 13/4. —Received and passed for payment.

From same, forwarding minutes of last Board meeting. —Received with thanks. From War Funds Council forwarding imprest cheque of £IOO, amended regulations under the War Funds Act, aud the new forms.—Received with thanks.

From Deputy Commissioner of Stamps, notifying that the Society’s permit under the Amusement Tax Regulations had been cancelled.— Received, The Chairman said this matter was held in abeyance, pending a visit of the Commissioner of Stamps,

Mr Evans (hon. secretary) said the position was not satisfactory, and ho was not prepared to go on unless the old conditions were reverted to. Further funds by way of entertainments would riot be collected as matters stood. Mr'Grimmond suggested he be supplied with a statement of the position and lie would bring the matter forward at next meeting of the Advisory Board. The Chairman said this could be done if the Commissioner failed to visit the district in the interim.

Prom Discharged Soldiers’ Information Department, enquiring as to employment available for local men. Received and filed for reference.