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Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1919, Page 2

Among the correspondence dealt with at the meeting of the local Patriotic Society yesterday was a humanitarian letter from the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Patriotic Societies at ■Wellington, asking that suggestions could be put forward to assist the Government in regard to helping discharged soldiers who through an inherent ailing were not making good. It was pointed out that there was n danger of these men drifting, and it was desired ;b.v the authorities to take them by the band, and try and retrieve the position for the men. Tin's is a very praiseworthy action, and the people of the Dominion generally will he indebted to the patriotic societies if they are able to do practical work in this direction and save the men from themselves. Fortunately this particular district has a very good record in regard to the general steadiness of its men, but men from other towns have drifted through here who come under the category it is desired to help, and it will be a good tiling for the men if they can be so helped to retrieve their own position. It seems to be largely a question of employment in such environment that they will not be open readily to temptation and so make mistakes which are not good for their health or those about them. Some of the men who returned earlier .suffered from various nervous complaints which perhaps predisposed them to less control over themselves. Such have a weakness and they need; strengthening in character by putting them in a way of regaining their personal independence. The subject was oe sure to arise out of the aftermath of the war, and the fact that it is being grappled with is an indication that the Soldiers’ case from every point of view is being wellcared for.

lx will be observed from tho report of the local Patriotic Committee published to-day that Mr A. A. Andrewos after five* years faithfu service as lion. Treasurer of the Westland Patriotic Fund lias resigned from his post. Naturally the members of the Committee praised the voluntary services of Mr Andrewos very appreciatively. During his term of office a very considerable sum of money, running into several thousands of pounds has passed through the treasurer's hands. There has been a very large amount of detail work in connection with the post, apart from the responsibility imposed, and Mr Andrewos has done excellent service. The people during the progress of the war naturally took a great interest in all that ! pertained to the local fund, and many people might think that now that the war is over there is very little more to do. On tho contrary there is as much office work as ever in connection with the administration of the fund, and «. large portion of this falls on the treasurer. Mr Andrewcs placed himself unreservedly at the services of the Committee and in all matters pertaining to the work of the fund never spared himself at all. It is well (hat some public appreciation of services such as these should he on record. In many places the administration is a costly business, hut for tho live years

that the fund has been in operation here, not a. penny has been charged for ’administration. The fund, and indirectly the soldiers themselves have got the benefit of this personal sacrifice by those working voluntarily for the fund. This fact is worthy of emphasis now that Mr Andrewes retires from office after doing such excellent service for the good of the community at large.