THE WAR LOAN.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 30 August 1917, Page 2

THE WAR LOAN.

PUBLIC MEETING

THE adjourned meeting to discuss the proposals in connection with the raising of the War Loan was held in the Lyric Theatre on Monday evening last. There was not a very large attendance, principally on account of the unfavourable weather. Mr J. F. Lambert, Chairman of the Town Board, occupied the chair, and read the appeal from the Minister of Finance (which we published last week). He stated that all were fully aware that money was never needed to such an extent as at the present time. They were expected to do what they could to assist the boys at the front, and help others to get away. Every little arn^Bfc helps, and it was the snTart^Mpj vestors who were going t«po the most work in connection with this matter. It takes an 'immense amount of money to carry on the war, and the only way, to raise it was by means of the loan now under discussion. Continuing, the speaker said: We are here to-night-for the purpose of forming committees to assist in floating this loan. Something must be done, as they could not keep up the supply of fighting men unless there was plenty of money at the back of it. : Mr H, Aitkenhead : I make the proposition that the members of the Town Board lead the way by' putting in £100 each. The Chairman : I think eyery man should be allowed to lend just what he is able to spare. No man should be compelled to invest more than he could afford.

The Chairman proposed as an amendment —That all persons present form themselves into a committee to take this matter up. He said the public did not think it was right to be questioned as to how many war bonds they were going to take up. Mr J. Carter said that the Banks were prepared to assist the public as much as possible in this matter. Mr Wallace spoke and gave an outline' as to what the Banks were willing to do. Mr J. A. Wilson seconded the amendment. . Three persons stood up and said they declined to go on the committee. Mr Carter : What are the committees going to do ? I do not think they could do much good. Would it not be better to leave the matter to the people themselves ? The Chairman said he thought it would be better to have the resolution withdrawn, as some people would not agree to tell everybody their business-; they would just subscribe what they could afford. Mr Aitkenhead: But by so doing it would set an example and give the people a bit of a lead. The Chairman: I would not feel disposed to tell anyone my business, or the amount I could afford to subscribe. Mr Wilson said the public were not fully acquainted with the te^ms of the loan. Mr Carter: If the people here were to pledge themselves to form a scheme it would be a good idea. Mr Wallace suggested that the public should approach the Banks as to what was the best thing to do, as the advice was given gratis.

After further discussion it was finally resolved that all those present should do everything in their power to assist, and take up as.many bonds as possible. The meeting then dispersed.