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Hokitika Guardian, 21 April 1931, Page 4

Dl'kixo file latter end of this ween an appeal is being made by tne lo.nl branch of tin; Returned Soldiers’ Association through tile sale of poppies for funds to assist unemployed exservicemen. Next Saturday is commemoration day of the great Anzac feat and of the wonders done by tiie New Zealand troops, .not only on the famous Peninsula, but also all through the war. 'I lie war period has left its mark of New Zealand manhood, for many are broken in health and physically injured for life. By universal practice the sale of poppies round the Empire provides a large sum annually to assist, ex-soldiers out-of work. It i.s a pi oner practice and a practical recognition ol an obligation. It is of in. tv rest to note also, that maimed New Zealanders are now making the poppies in the Dominion, as. part of their livelihood. The Returned Soldiers' organisation ill thjs country is a very live and active body and is doing a great work for the comrades of the war period, ft has organised the manufacture- of the poppies and these are now on sale throughout the district, it is for th e public to help as best they Cab. The- tinies ate Hot as bright its they were, aiid'. Ihiit fact makes it harder for the unemployed exsoldjer. But til,, poppies are offered at a price witltiu the reach of all, H i.s a case of evel'y little helping, and the aggregate is a sum which cun be applied usefully, land. Veal', its previously, tho money raised locally was subsidised by the local body, and work l'o-und of a useful nature for a team of men over a term. Rolleston street urain work -was carried through wdth funds of which the sale of poppies helped to provide the nemleus. Practical measures such as this should encourage the citizens to Imy a poppy, realising that they are helping, the town as well as the unemployed soldiers, in so doing. All funds received are faithfully applied, and good value- is given in the general public work performed. There will be stirring references to the message of Anzac Day, no doubt, towards the end of the week, but there is always the obligation on the public to remember those who served in those dark days of 1914-18, and it i.s a duty now and at all times to help those who need assistance. The conditions at- this period are more severe than they have been before, and that fact suggests the resposo should be readier so that it will be possible to provide as liberally as possible for those needing employment over the winter period.