PATRIOTIC FUNDS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 244, 12 September 1940, Page 8

PATRIOTIC FUNDS

DISPOSAL OF MONEY. LORD GALWAY EXPLAINS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Sept. 12. When opening a conference of secretaries of provincial patriotic councils, the Governor-General (Lord Galway) referred particularly to the part to be played by the provincial councils in. assisting in the rehabilitation of the men of the Forces on their discharge, and the funds that would be required for this purpose, which is one of the main matters to be ‘discussed.

Referring to the public response to appeals for funds, His Excellency said that, in particular, tlie way the Sick, Wounded and Distress Fund Appeal bad been supported exceeded the early anticipations of the most sanguine. There had been a very good response to appeals for funds to provide comforts for the troops, and that had enabled a great deal to bo done in the camps and for the echelons as they went overseas. There w 7 ere some people, however, who thought the National Patriotic Fund Board was amassing vast sums of money, but lie could assure them that was not the case. In addition to providing comforts, money had- been used to build recreation lints at camps and improve generally the amenities available at the camps. He said, too, that as the new camp at Waiouru was a long way from any centre it would be absolutely essential to provide recreational facilities from the funds for that camp. That was an instance of the many calls on the funds.

Tlie large amount raised by the Order of St. John and Red Cross Society w 7 as not, ns sonic contended, “dead” money. It would all be utilised. As time went on, he said, and the sick and wounded began to return, it w'ould be essential for the patriotic and Red Cross organisations to work in very close harmony. The Red Cross w 7 as a little apt in the provinces to get rather out of touch with the centre and, he thought, with the provincial patriotic council of the district. Ho thought the matter should bo looked at from the bigger point of view and a close working relationship established. . His Excellency also referred to the work done by the Lady Galway Patriotic Guild in collecting, sorting and packing clothing for refugees and homeless people abroad, and expressed tlie hope that the delegates to the conference would be able to visit the guild’s headquarters at Government House and see the work being done there by an admirable hand of ladies. MONEY FROM UNITED STATES.

The New Zealand Society in New York, of which Mr Ray Johnson is president, has united with the Australian Society to establish an Anzac war relief fund to which donations have been invited. Advice of, the initial contribution of 1000 dollars from this fund to the National Patriotic Fund in New Zealand lias been received by .Lord Galway.