PATRIOTIC WORK.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 138, 11 May 1940, Page 6

PATRIOTIC WORK.

AFTER-CARE OF SOLDIERS. IMPORTANT CONFERENCE. Per Press Association. AVELLINGTON. May 11. A number of important questions relating to future, patriotic activities in New Zealand and the after-care and rehabilitation of members of the Expeditionary Force are to be discussed at a conference in AVellington next week between the' National Patriotic Council, the National Patriotic Fund Board and representatives from eleven Provincial Patriotic Councils. The standing committee of the National Patriotic Council has prepared a memorandum on various matters as a basis of discussion. The first proposal is that the duties of the National Patriotic Fund Board and the Provincial Councils should be more clearly defined in the light of the experience of the past eight months, and in this connection suggestions will be submitted as to the functions of l these respective bodies. The question of the after-care and rehabilitation of returned men is one upon which a number of suggestions will be put forward. The principle on which it is suggested this work should be carried out provides for the Provincial Councils setting up after-care committees, to be provided with an imprest account/

There will also be a recommendation that the Provincial Councils should adopt a uniform method of dealing with the after-care of soldiers. Another proposal is to make no more national appeals for funds after the completion of the Sick and AA’ounded and Relief of Distress Appeal, except in the event of some unforeseen ; circumstance or a 'major calamity, when an appeal will be made 'through the newspapers only. This -suggestion is contingent upon , the Provincial Councus paying. to the National Fund, from a date to be decided, Aa proportion of their collections. If this is not acceptable, an. alternative suggestion is that the National Fund . be given certain specified times in each .province to make an appeal. ', . board has in view the possibility .of, being called upon to make a grant from the National Fund "in tlie case, say,-of destruction by air raids in Britain. In addition, it is felt that the National Fund should be in the posiof being able to assist various wartime efforts overseas should the necessity arise. .