PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1427, 22 July 1915, Page 3

PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

LOCAL COMMITTEE FORMED. The public meeting held on Tuesday evening convened by the Mayor for the purpose of electing a patriotic committee for Foxton and district and to consider the proposal of the Wellington Committee for a federation scheme for the collection and distribution of funds, was very poorly attended, only seven being present. The Mayor occupied the chair, and said the meeting bad been called for the purpose above stated. Some of the wounded soldiers were now returning, and there was no doubt immediate assistance would be needed in some cases. So far ,£240 had passed through bis hands for the wounded soldiers’ fund, and other amounts bad been forwarded by residents of this district direct to Wellington. It was the aim of the Wellington people to consolidate all funds between New Plymouth and Wellington and arrange relief on a uniform scale. Personally he hoped the scheme would be adopted. His own idea was to form a patriotic committee locally which would take in hand the organisation and management of all patriotic efforts. He read a circular letter from the Wellington Committee, in which it was suggested that a central executive should be set up to control all funds In the Wellington Military District, in connection with which a scheme had been drafted by Mr C. P. Skerrett, which will be considered at a conference of all patriotic societies, Mayors and Chairmen of all local bodies, etc., to be held in Wellington on Tuesday next. The Mayor thought that those present should either form themselves into a committee or elect a Patriotic Committee for Foxton. Dr Mandl said he was quite in accord with the suggestion ot the Wellington Patriotic Society for the formation of local committees in each district and a central committee for the whole area. The Mayor said the local committee could organise various efforts to raise funds, and to start with he suggested a jumble sale of gifts. This would cost practically nothing, and he felt sure between and could be raised in this way. Mr W. Ross said that provision would have to be made for the wounded soldiers for many years to come. It should be the main effort. In a small place there were apt to be too many committees, and consequent overlapping. Dr Mandl agreed that this effort should be the chief one. The best thing would be to elect a committee with power to add to the number, and then await the Mayor’s return Irom the Wellington conference, when his report could be considered. It was decided on the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Dr Mandl, that a Patriotic Committee for Foxton and district he tormed of all in the room, with power to add to their number, to be called the Foxton and District Patriotic Committee. Mr Ross said they should endeavour to make the committee as representative of the whole district as possible. Dr Mandl suggested that Moutoa and Hlmatangi be asked to elect delegates to act on the Committee. This suggestion was agreed to. Mr L. Freeman was appointed secretary of the Committee. In connection with the sug-gested-iumble sale, Mr Ross said he would give a ton ot hemp. A further meeting will be held on the Mayor’s return from WeE lington.