THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHA HELENSVILLE, THURSDAY Nov. 18,1915 OUR DISABLED SOLDIERS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 18 November 1915, Page 2

THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHA

HELENSVILLE, THURSDAY Nov. 18,1915 OUR DISABLED SOLDIERS.

With which is incorporated "The Kaipara Advertiser &Waitemata Chronicle."

As we all know a continual stream of transports is arriving at our ports bringing back some alas, only soiife, of the wastage of battle. Many of the best of our lads sleep beneath a foreign soil, and their material needs are over. But what of those who return —maimed, battered, and war-worn ? Some, many, we hope, will regain their vigor, but even the most unthinkino: of us must admit that many will drag out a life of pain and weariness, unable to . earn a livelihood; dependent on the pension provided by the State. If it takes 8s per day to keep a man who is whole and well, what sort of a living will a man's pension of 35s per week provide ? There will be many little extras he w Till need— medicine, doctor's fees, etc., and for the balance he will have to depend on chanty. Is this a fail' position to put him in? Do you, personally, think yon are., giving* him a "square deal'1? 'For whom did he fight ? Then who should look after, him ? Have you done your bit as he has done his? The measure of your giving is ndt what you have given, but.^hat you have left? What woulct your title deeds be worth, or your life, or the lives of those, dear to j-ou, if the TJun over-ran this fair land of ours? Can you assess your wife's honour or your daughters chastity in <£ s. d*. And how is it that we are free to carry on our peaceful avocations, but only through the willing sacrifices made by our broken soldier lads! j Helensville and surrounding 1 districts have sent men who have cheerfully answered the Empire's call, and this district appeals now for money to provide for those who return broken.

Would £100 per annum be too much to pay them ? This, divided among those who will need it is a small sum, enough only to give each a few shillings a week. If our readers agree that this is our minimum then it means that we hare to raise at least £2,500. Probably for this sum an annuity of £200 could be bought. This is a huge sum, you say. But let us see how it works out.

These figures are from the N.- Z. Year Book, 1914 : _ Kaukapakapa Eiding, capital valuation, £149,730; Helensville Town Board District, £88,365. v The figures for Waimauku and Maraetalii Eidings are not given, but we can safely reckon the valuation of these ridings is equal to that of Kaukapakapa Riding and Helensville district. This makes a total valuation of these four districts equal £276,190, more than a quarter -of- a - million

sterliuo'. o _Do property-ewers iv these districts say that they are so poverty-stricken that they cancot^ give one-hundredth part of their property as a recognition to those who saved 99----hundredths? Away with the thought ! If you do not give who is to keep the men "you are morally responsible for ? Are you going to shelve your responsibilities on to someone else or let your saviours starve?

Give, and give freely ! The best that can be done for these poor fellows will not begin to liquidate our debt. Do not let us be shirkers Ox the worst kind. And remember that by voting the JS3 orehern Queen to the top of the poll, you are giving the Noith the cheapest and best advertisement possible.!