WESTLAND PATRIOTIC FUND.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1919, Page 4

WESTLAND PATRIOTIC FUND.

MONDAY, AUGUST 25th

A special meeting of the Committee was convened for 3.30. o’clock yesterday afternoon. Present:—Messrs Perry (Chairman), JJulf, Davies, Andrewes, and Hon. Grimmond.

The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

The outward correspondence was approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE.

From War Funds Council forwarding £2OO to the Imprest Account.—Received. From Pensions and Base Records leporting on a Westland soldier now domiciled ihi Ashburton. —Reveived ; to await further communication from the East Coast.

From Hawke’s Bay Branch strongly recommending a grant of £SO to a 'Westland soldier who was in need of financial assistance.—Received ; and after diseussion grant authorised, the amount to be repaid when able. From Advisory Board asking suggestions in dealing with unsatisfactory cases of returned men, and proposals for augmenting pensions when considered necessary.—Received ; the Committee approved the fullest sympathetic action in regard to unfortunate cases, and the Secretary was directed to reply accordingly, pointing out-also that assistance was being given to all cases considered deserving.

From Canterbury Society with regard to advances made on behalf of Westland men; namely £2 to South "Westland ease; £6 to Hokitika, case; £6 to Kumara ease ; £1 10s. to Dillmans case.—Received; and approved. From Otago Society in respect to a Hokitika case, and £3 was voted.—Approved. From Wellington asking help for a Kumara case.—Received; £5 voted.

From same forwarding provisional application for financial assistance to enable a soldier’s wife and child (Hokitika case) fu be brought out from Rugland.—Received; to await further particulars. Chairman being empowered to act on same.

From Warden, Queenstown, (Tasmania), thanking Society for vote to assist Westland case taking up technical tii lining.—R occ i ved. From Minister of Defence stating dental charges could not he met unless sanctioned through the Depratnient.— Received; It was resolved to make further enquiry into the case under notice, and if necessary further representations to the Government to be made.

From Roefton Society acknowledging refund of advance made.—Received. From Grcymouth, Hawera. and Otago Societies to same effect. Received. From Wellington Society iu respect to a grant to an ex-imperial Service man.—Received; and £5 granted. From Grey mouth Society asking temporary grant for Westland man idled for a fortnight.—Received and £4 grant approved. From Otira notification of returned men and enquiring as to grants.—Received; the Chairman stated all applications were being looked into, and if it appeared the soldier was not in need of funds a grant could not ho given. Their funds were not to be used as gratuities, but for the benefit of the men or their dependents who needed help. The eases referred to were considered on their merits and in two instances at least had to be deeliiuod, as the men were in steady employment for some time, earning substantial wages. 11l this connection the Chairman said a grant of £8 had been made to a soldier who had to leave hurriedly for Australia, the case being favourably reported on from South Westland.

From Wilford, Levi and Jackson asking remittance of allotment money in hand for a client. Received. It was reported £4 per month was deducted for a dependent, and the balance remitted .—Approved.

Received and approved. GENERAL. On the motion of Hon. Grimmond a veto of appreciation of the services of Hon. G. W Russell as Chairman of the National War Funds Council and the relations of that body with the local fund, was carried unanimously. Mr Evans reported the arrangements made regarding clerical assistance t° enable him to carry on the Secetaryship (already published).—Approved.

: Mr A. A. Andrewes tendered his re- ' signation as lion, treasurer and asked to be relieved of his duties at the close of the month.—Received; the Chairman moved that the resignation he ae- ' eepted with regret, and a very cordial vote of appreciation pissed for Mr. Andrewes very valuable services during the past five years. Hon. Grimmond seconded. The motion was supported by all the members present who spoke : very highly of the painstaking and faithful manner in which tho.dutios had been discharged. Mr Andrewes thanked the Committee and said he was well repaid by the pleasure of the work and the appreciation expressed. Should the emergency arise again his services were always at call.

Mr Evans was appointed to the charge of the accounts and Mr Duff appointed 'Hon. Treasurer, and to sign cheques in lieu of Mr Andrewes, who will retain a seat on the Executive. The meeting rose at 4.30. p.m.

Mr Andrewes, Treasurer reported as] follows for tko month ending July 31st, 1919, viz:— RECEIPTS. £ s. d. National War Funds Council 300 0 0 Refunds O/A Temp. Advances 38 0 0 4

338 0 0 EXPENDITURE. £ d. Debit Balanco July 1st. 1919 21 9 o Relief to Soldiers and Dependents 242 10 0 Temp. Advances to Soldiers and Dependents 72 3 4 Cheque books 8 0 Credit Balance, July 31st., 1919 1 9 6 338 0 0