POPPY DAY AND ITS OBJECTS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4555, 24 April 1923, Page 2

POPPY DAY AND ITS OBJECTS.

To-day marks the second occasion on which Poppy Day has been celebrated in New Zealand. It originated from communications which the Returned Soldiers’ Association received from organised groups of war widows and children in France, whom the New Zealand soldiers met, there ’n such large numbers. It was a link that bound the men of the New Zealand forces with the people _ of France. The New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association decided to thus commemorate the day throughout the Dominion. The proposal greatly appealed to the public last, year, and there is every indication that the same wide interest has been shown to-day. The arrangement in respect to the disposal of the funds will be the same as last year. The actual cost of the poppies is remitted to the war widows and children of France, who made them. The net proceeds after the above cost has been met will be for assistance and distribution in the interests of unemployed returned soldiers. The Returned Soldiers’ Association holds the view that it Is the duty of the Gov

eminent to adequately look after re- | turned men, but owing to conditions < of unemployment throughout New Zealand, and for other reasons beyond the control of many men, they are unfortunately in need pf help, and in such circumstances they get. what help is possible from the Returned Soldiers’ Association. Poppy Day is a means of organising a fund for such help and assistance. The local school children were authorised to sell poppies on behalf of the association, and a liberal response from the public is anticipated.