PATRIOTIC SOCIETY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1507, 8 February 1916, Page 2

PATRIOTIC SOCIETY.

A special general meeting of the Patriotic Society was held last night in the Council Chambers, the president (Mr Alf. Fraser) in the chair. A circular was received from the Minister of Internal Affairs, convening a conference of all Patriotic Societies in the Dominion on the 17th February, at Wellington, and the President was appointed the local representative. The resignation of Mr 1,. Freeman, as secretary, was received and accepted with regret, and a motion passed thanking Mr Freeman for his past services. Mr A. J. Kellow was appointed secretary pro tem. In view of the smallness of the executive it was decided to increase same by the addition of two lady and five male members, and the following were elected, subject to their consent: —Miss Ross, Mrs Kerr-Hislop, Messrs W. E. Barber. B, G. Gower, F. S. Hasten, C. F. Johnston and Wm. Ross. Mr L. Freeman was elected to the vacancy made by the election of a new secretary. It was resolved that any member of the executive failing to attend four consecutive meetings, without leave ot absence, should lose his seat.

Circulars from the Recruiting Board were received and discussed and arrangements were left until the matter had been dealt with by the Borough Council.

A report was received regarding the working of the Patriotic Shop and resolutions of thanks to all who had given donations of money and kind, and to the members of the working bee and to the ladies who are managing the shop, were passed. The total amount expended in the erection and fitting up of the shop was £6 13s 4d, and receipts to date total is xod. It should be mentioned that this expenditure was more than covered by special donations of from Mr H. Greig and £5 irom Mr Wm. Ross. Next Saturday the shop wiil be under the charge of Mesdames Mandl and Alex. Ross. The ladles of the executive reported that they had been very successful in the distribution of the collection boxes, and one box was reported to be so full that the householder has asked for another one.

Some local cases of soldiers and dependents were discussed and are being dealt with.

An allowance of £4 paid to a wounded returned soldier was approved. Accounts for £5 2s rod were passed for payment. Monthly donations to the Wounded Soldiers Fund were received as follows :—Mr F. S. Easton Messrs Stevens, Easton and Austin £lO, Mr F. Robinson £s. Mr Wm. Ross announced, midst applause, that the Poplar Flaxmilling Co. would donate per month to the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund of the Society. The matter of the proposed Carnival has been left until the result of the household collections is ascertained.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.