HELENSVILLE PUBLIC MEETING.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 18 November 1915, Page 2

HELENSVILLE PUBLIC MEETING.

WOUNDED SOLDIERS' FUND

IN. accordance with announcement in the ECHO on -Thursday last, a meeting convened by Mr H. W. Stringer, Hon. Secretary for the Helensville District Fund, was* held in Becroft's Star Theatre on Tuesday evening, when, owing to weather conditions, there was but a fairly attended meeting. Mr E. T: Field (Helensville Town' Board Chairman) occupied the chair, and in due course introduced the speakers of the evening, namely, Mr H. T. Gillies (hon. organiser Queen of the South), and MrPark(Onehunga), .^ who were attentively listened toMja^ throughout. 40^9 Their mission was to impress upon the people that not only men and more men for the front was of importance, but that money and still more money was required to help relieve our wounded soldiers, and that there ■/ were many in the district who were "slackers" in more respects than one. Men of means who' "- should come forth and give freely at least 2 per cent of their possessions to the object in v question. [A ridiculous small per centage in the opinion of the ECHO, Why not make it 10, or go on a sliding scale.] The speakers also spoke pointedly on ftl. the fact that not a tithe of the Dominion realised the great responsibilities attached to the . grave situation, or what the British navy was doing to keep " the enemy from infringing upon " our fair lands " almost all over the globe. We (Britain) had the freedom .of the sea, and it was our duty to keep the flag flying! The Union Jack was in the foreground of the stage as a reminder of the Nation's sons at the front and the funds required for the wounded. Those who had the means should come freely into the ranks of the sympathisers. ■. .

At the conclusion of the meeting, a most hearty and enthusiastic vote of thanks was given to the visitors.

Mr A. Becroft gave the use of the Hall free, as usual with him for patriotic purposes.