French Red Cross Fund.

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 28 January 1916, Page 3

French Red Cross Fund.

The following letter, which has been received by the Clerk of the Town Board, speaks for itself. Although it is not a good time for getting up entertainments, it may yet be possible that something be done to help this deserving cause. Auckland, 15th January, 1916. Dear Sir or Madam, —At a meeting of the council of the Auckland French Club held yesterday, it was resolved that the “ French Tricolour Day ’’ in aid of the N.Z. French Red Cross Fund be held on Friday, the 25th

of of Februarv next, simultanethroughout the Dominion. As already advised, in towns and cities which have sufficiently large population, it is suggested street sales of tricolour flags, flowers, sweets, etc., be held during the daytime, and some fitting function at night to crown “ the day."

It is suggested that picture theatre proprietors be approached to allow part of their takings on that night to be handed over to you so as to swell your gift to our Fund ; a full programme of French numbers, including some patriotic items, their orchestras opening and closing with the Marseillaise, which no doubt would create much enthusiam and be a manifestation of this Dominion’s friendship towards France. An excellent idea emanating from the Wellington committee, is. that at the close of the evening function, a French flag, large enough for hoisting on a flagpole be sold by auction. This occasion for showing practical sympathy with our gallant French Allies is unique ; we are anxious to give everyone in the Dominion an opportunity of showing their appreciation of the splendid and heroic qualities disclosed by the French Army in this terrible war:

Everything that is possible is being done by the French people for our British boys at the front ; as far as we know this is the only appeal to be made in New Zealand on behalf of this most deserving work : the French Red Cross. We trust that your committee will cooperate with us and thereby allow us to add your name to the Dominion list of helpers and donors, which will be forwai-ded officially through the Consul for France, to l,is Government. Should the 25th February be found unsuitable for your town, you can arrange another date as preferred by you. Any further particulars will gladly be supplied by return mail by Yours faithfully (By order of the Council of the Auckland French Club) L. J. DU FLOU-MESTDAGH, Hon. Treasurer, Ranfurly Road, Epsom, Auckland.