THE WAR FUND

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 3, Issue 6, 21 August 1914, Page 3

THE WAR FUND

ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING £■2oo COLLECTED IN THE ROOM. In response to the invitation of the Town Board a large number of residents assembled in the King’s Hall on Thursday night, the enthusiasm that characterised the meeting being a sure indication that Huntly only needed a lead to fall into line and do its duty in the present crisis. Mr J. P. Bailey, chairman of the Town Board, who presided explained that the object of the meeting was to inaugurate locally an Empire Defence Fund in terms the circular just received from JKhe Minister of Defence! Hon. J as. who wrote as follows: “SIR, —In this time of the Empire’s need the Government calls upon the people of this country to make what sacrifices they can of money and effort to provide for an Expeditionary Force to be sent wherever the Empire calls. It is essential in the interests

of economical management that the money subscriptions should be properly administered, and the Government has accordingly determined to establish: — A.—AN EMPIRE DEFENCE FUND, 1. Into this fund will be paid all money contributions from local authorities, companies or individuals, whether for purchase of horses or other material required for the Expeditionary Force. 2. The Empire Defence Fund will from time be supplemented by payments from the Consoliare invited to pay their contributions into any ' bank in the Dominion: the banks I have agreed to remit to the Publie account free of exchange. ; Bank receipts should be sent to ‘ the Paymaster-General, Wei lington, with a list of subscribers. 1 If the contributor specifies the j object for which he makes his 1 donation, then the amount will f be credited to a special account J e.g., purchase of horses, or pur- c chase of materir 1, or purchase of *■ personal equipment for the men (blankets, uniforms, boots, etc.,.

If no such indication is given the Paymaster-General will 'ther credit the contion to a general account or of the above mentioned ae •'s he thinxs fit. B. R_ JITIONARY FORCE EQUIPMENT. The Defence Departmsnt will be grateful for gifts of horses, saddlery, forage, food, motor cars, motor-bicycles, etc. All Mayors, Chairmen of County Councils and Town Boards are requested to kindly take immediate action to call meetings of citizens and to organise for the collection of money or gifts. C. THE LIVERPOOL FUND. Her Excellency the Countess of Liverpool is organising the women of the country in order that they may provide articles required by the ■ nbers of the - such as h' housewives, ■Bc> ~ie honour to be Vour obedient servant, J. ALLEN, Minister of Defence.” Mr Bailey strongly favoured an Empire Defence Fund which he thought would prove most serviceable at this junctute when Britain had been dragged ir.to a war that was not of her seeking. The victory over France in the great war of 1870-71 had developed in Germany ambitions of empire that formed a menace to Europe, and had now enkindled a war the 1 1 "ot be foretold. seen recognised 11 iai. _... nd Germany must unsheath the sword, and it was, perhaps, better that the struggle should come when the Empire was surrounded by powerful friends than in the future when, single-handed, she might t-« fo-zx*'? tn fight for her very y on which New Zealand had become an integral part of the Empire, British ships and British soldiers had afforded the colonists every protection, seeking nothing and expecting ■nothing in return. The day had arrived on which gratitude could be shown Australasia was solid to a man in the determination to defend the Empire to the bitter end, to send to Britain’s aid her sons and her money, and to spend her heart-blood in preserving intact the prestige and the best traditions of the race. Mr L. B. Harris, senr, feared the war now being waged would prove a long and sanguinary one, and judging by Earl Kitchener’s ■'gements, the struggle would -"ed. The Home-laud was . nd the call would not fall c deal ears. Every citizen owed a duty to his country and he was sure that Huntly would respond well to any appeal made. The Rev. J. T. McWilliam said that parsons were meant to preach peace, but the lime had come when they could not have peace and honour at the same time. To preserve her individuality Britain was bound in honour to help her allies, and to assist the weak against the strong. While many were eager to go to the front, the greater number must remain at home, and by their practical assistance do thenpart to keep down the taxation which was inevitable, and which would fy Aheavily on the toilers. The KJ. Richards acknowledged the present war to be just ami righteous. His heart th rilled when he read the King’s message

to his troops, and Lord Kitchener’s practical advice to the soldiers proceeding to the front. King George was a worthy successor of his father, Edward the Peacemaker, whose steps he followed in the noble endeavour to promote harmony among the nations. In spite of the royal advocacy the Empire was embroiled in a terrific war, and he felt proud to knokv that the Dominion was lavishly pouring out her treasure in the hour of need, treasure in the shape of her brave sons, men of nerve and brain as well of muscle —the very best she could possibly give. Sacrifice was inevitable, and every man and woman livingunder the flag of Gt. Britain was prepared for it. Though they hated the idea of war there was no repining they were prepared

to spend their last breath in the defence of King and Country. Mr J. Fletcher agreed that help was essential during the present upheaval, and was pleased to state that the directors of the Huntly Brick and Fire Clay Co., had at their meeting held during the afternoon decided to contribute £25 to the fund inaugurated that evening. Mr S. Dixon, President of the Miners’ Union, stated that the workers were ready to do their part, recognising, as they did, the tremendous nature of the present crisis. It had been unanimously decided by his union that collections should be taken up on the 28th . inst., the proceeds to go to the Distress Fund ; but after hearing what had been said by the chairman he was prepared to ask his union to rescind that resolution and unite with the residents of Huntly in the effort to forward to the general fund a subscription that would be worthy of Huntly. While in Auckland he had spent several hours in the camp of the expeditionary forces and his heart thrilled with joy at the spirit and ardour animating every New Zealander there. Mr J. McNeo proposed a motion which was taken to mean that an Empire Defence Fund be inaugurated in Huntly in accordance with the terms of the Defence Minister’s circular. Seconded by Mr E. W. Sheeran, the motion was carried nem run. The chairman intimated .that

he would like the meeting to elect four gentlemen to act as a committee with the members of the Town Board. Those elected were the SRev. J. Richards, Messrs L. B. Harris, senr., Stewart Dixon, and H. R. Porter, the whole committee being made up of the four mentioned and the following members of the Town Board: Mess J. p. Bailey (chairman), L. 11. Harris, junr., R. Greenwe 1, G. T. Horwood, Jas. Elliot, and the clerk. Mr F. Harris. A ladies committee consisting of Mesdame; J. P. Bailey, Elliot, Glee oil, Harris, junr., and Richards was also appointed. Letters were received from Mr T. Britton, proprietor of the Empress Pictures, offering to organise picture shows in aid of the fund, and placing the King’s Hall and Supper Room at the disposal of the committee for any meetings that may be held in the on such nights as the hall was disengaged ; from Mr G. Calder, promising to hand over the proceeds of a patriotic show to be held in the Miners’ Hall next Tuesday ; and from Mr J. Elliot, volunteering to sell by auction, free of all charges, horses cattle, sheep, farm produce, fowls, household goods, and any articles donated to the fund in the names of the vendors. The letters were referred to the committed) to be dealt with. The chairman agreed to undertake the duties of treasurer. Mr Bailey then invited donations, the meeting responding so generously that a sum of £2OO was collected in the room, Mr G. T. Horwood giving an artillery horse worth, at a very low estimate, £2O. The names of the subscribers will be found in another part of this isssue. tl “God save the King” and Rule Britannia ” were sung by those present with more than usual fervour, the high patriotic note struck by the chairman being accountable for the expression pat into both anthems. The following donations were received in the hall:—-

Ask to see the new low bust long skirted models- in Warner’ s Rust-proof corsets. Every pair mteed. Local Drapars.

L, C. Harris, sen. 50 0 0 Huntly Briek& Frie Co. 25 0 0 L. B. Harris, jun. 25 0 0 J. Fletcher 5 5 0 J. Elliot 5 5 0 S. Dixon 5 0 0 J. Wilson 5 0 0 Geo. Shaw 5 0 0 H. R. Porter 5 0 0 J. P. Bailey 5 0 0 W. Jolley 5 0 0 F. Li ttle proud 5 0 0 ftev.J. T. Me William 5 0 0 R. Greenwell 5 0 0 G. S. Langford ... 5 0 0 E. J. Farrell 2 2 0 J. Dixon, sen. ... 2 0 0 Rev. J. Richards 2 a 0 f. Lament 2 0 0 MrsJ. W. Wilson 1 l 0 C. Starr ... 1 i 0 J. Parkes... 1 i 0 E. W. Sheoran... 1 i 0 G. Smith 1 i 0 Miss Eddy 1 j. 0 •J. B. Harris 1 0 0 Presbyterian Sunday School 1 0 0 D. Suttie 1 0 0 H. H. Sissons .. 1 0 0 T. Black 1 0 0 Mrs H. H. Sissons 0 10 0 Noe] Elliot 0 5 0