Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, MARCH 8th, 1920. AVAR RELIEF FUNDS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1920, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, MARCH Bth, 1920. AVAR RELIEF FUNDS.

The conference at Wellington last wee.v , in regard to the future administration of the war relief funds, indicates how earnest Jtlie various committees controlling those funds are to do the fullest justice tp all concerned. When the war was raging, the public subscribed very generously to the war funds which were mainly for relief to the sick and w.ounded and tb.e dependents of the sick gnd wounded an l the fallen. There is of course still the need for the greatest consideration of all those who suffered by the .war. Therefore, while it is right and proper to do our duty by the dead in rearing a memorial to their memory, and for what their sacrifice 'stood for, there >s no less the duty to care for the broken and disabled' soldier and his dependents, who are themselves the victims of the ravages of the war. The meeting laid down the principle that the time have arrived to establish a national schemo to deal with permanently and partially disabled soldiers physically oi mentally. A huge sum of money fot relief is still in hand, and it is wise to seo that as ample provision as possible is made for the direct sufferers of the war, so that in the years to come it will not bo a reproach to the committees that the old soldiers are ne--glectcd or forgotten. The Government will require very probably to bring down legislative action to deal with the whole matter. It is noticeable that among the objectors, to the form of tile proposal, is Auckland where the richest fund has been established, fur] Auckland probably feels that it should ■ control its own money and administer it in its own way for its own people, There is a- good deal to lie said for this, but we are quite sure that in the long last should any other centre be short of funds, and ex-sol-diers be suffering thereby, Auckland j would be ready and willing to help from it .store. The present administration of tbe patriotic funds leaves little to complain of. In every centre, bodies of patriotic men and women have associated themselves in an unselfish manner to do the right thing, and they have achieved a splendid record. As time goes on the present management must change, and in that change possibly tbe spirit, might change also. It would be well if the men of l<idav who arc administering the funds, could agree upon a broad national scheme, as a guide for the future.. They have their heart in the work the know the. eases 1 requiring help; and they understand the needs of the eases. A. national scheme is certainly : desirable for all the men made equal sacrifice, irrespective of whether they i came from a rich or a poor district, i IA national scheme could create channels of useful employment which is far better for the well-being of the e. eipients than pension doles. It won In < create a firmer spirit of independence, and bring out the character of the i men in the most desirable way. It j will bo a fine thing to assist in this ■

way to rehabilitate the men, and to aid them to continue uesful lives of citizenship. It would be tlie very best service which could be rendered the men.