PATRIOTIC FUND COLLECTIONS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3255, 21 April 1943, Page 7

PATRIOTIC FUND COLLECTIONS

(To The Editor)

Sir, —Please allow me space to correct some statements appearing in your paper of the 7th inst. over the signature of Mr T. E‘, Simpson. In the first place, I did not even give the old black rooster, for he did not belong to me, nor have I contributed anything else to the local patriotic fund, for I am quite in agreement with Mr Simpson that the whole system of collection and administration of this fund is wrong. Sufficient to say that too many highly-paid officials are doing work that could be done just as efficiently by some disabled soldier who is in need. But when Mr Simpson seeks to saddle the blame on me and mine for the closing of the local committee, then, he is only attempting to throw dust in the eyes of the public. Not. only did the thing fail because of the failure of some of us (not alone me, though I seem to have been singled out for attack) to contribute in cash because of our belief that the principle is wrong, but largely also because we object to being bludgeoned into contributing by Mr Simpson and his friends. Another cause of failure, and certainly not the least, was the failure of those living within the Kuaotunu watershed to give any help by way of knitting, etc. From this remark I exclude those who have little families or dear ones at the front to work for. And included in this failure was the fact that available wool was not distributed to those who were willing to knit. Yes, I may have a thousand sheep or near thereto, and I may tell Mr Simpson that this is the result of a war effort, being - a little more than 100 per cent, increase since war started. In thanking you, Mr Editor, for space to reply, I may say I shall not write again.—I am, etc., W. P. THOMPSON, Opito Bay, Kuaotunu.