PATRIOTIC FUND

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 251, 27 October 1939, Page 2

PATRIOTIC FUND

CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

DISSATISFACTION EXPRESSED

EMPHATIC PBOTEST TO.AIiXISTEB

An emphatic protest that the local committee will have no power to expend its own patriotic fund's ajid a request to the minister to reconsider the position was decided upon at the meeting of the Centennial Committee held last night in the Mission Hall. Mr. F. J. Short, who presided in the unavoidable absence of the chairman. 'Mr. G. S. Moody, outlined the urgent' nature of the meeting which was called on account of certain regulations being gazetted which placed the committee in charge of the Patriotic funds. This was an extra, duty in addiitipn to Centennial work and would be a big job. If both duties were taken on one would have to suffer, and that would be the centennial work. The meeting would have to decide that night if it would carry on with the centennial work. Mr. Short stated that the position was that eleven provincial councils and one national council would he dealing with the patriotic funds. Opotiki would he undler the Bay of Plenty zone, and funds would have to go from this district to Auckland. Mr. Short said that he was opposed to any restrictions on how the committee was able to spend its funds. He then read the regulations which provided for a penalty of £IOO for anyone creating.an unorthorised fund. The authorised objects were to provide for the comforts, amenities and conveniences for New Zealand Forces. It is also not lawful for any person to collect money unless for an approved purpose and by an approved person, and a penalty ol; £IOO and a further fine of £lO for each day the offence continues is provided. Any persons collecting money must, within 14 days, forward to the. Minister all particulars and amounts collected. Mr. Short expressed the opinion that the local committee was better able to spend the funds than the Government or provincial committee, not only while the men are away but also for many years after they come hack. Many men who returned from the last war were prevented from receiving help by “red tape.’ 5 The meeting agreed with Mr. Short’s views. Mr. J*3. J. Baigent said that the Vigilence Committee had written to Hon. AY. E. Parry asking for permission to set up a separate fund in this district, holding only a portion of the fund collected. Mr. Short said that he was strongly opposed to the regulations but was prepared to carry on for patriotic reasons. '.Mrs. J. Parkinson asked how the suggested! postponement of the centennial activities would affect the Plunket and Best Booms. Mr. Short saidl that the people seemed i pppsed to contributing to centennial purposes when patriotic- purposes were in need of money. Mrs. J. ’J’. Thompson moved that the resolution of the executive that the centennial activities he postponed be adopted. This was seconded by Air. J. Whitfield and carried unanimously. Air. Baigent suggested that the A 1 blisters’ Association be asked to go on with their part of the celebrations, and Bev. A. C. Hampton gave an assurance that this would be done. Mr. die Montalk said that he felt sorry for those* who had worked for the Plunket Boom, and Mr. Button suggested writing to the Plunket Society explaining the position to them. Airs. Fort said that the committee fully understood the position. The conditions under which‘the Society was working were bad. Air. Short said that he thought it better to write to the Society as he could see little hope of raising money for two funds at once. Mr. Hutton read figures showing the financial position of the Centennial Committee which revealed that liabilities were in excess of assets. Mr. Short stated that money would have to he raised! to meet the liability. Mr. Baigent suggested writing to tho Borough and County Councils asking for assistance. This -suggestion was adopted. Mr. Baigent moved that the Opotiki Centennial Committee write to the chairman of the zone suggesting that the funds be handed to the Vigilance Committee. Mr. de Montalk suggested asking for

the major portion of the iuud raised in Opotiki. Mr. Baigcnt said that lie felt strongly on the subject of the patriotic fundIf the R.S.A. had had 20 per cent, ui the fund collected! here during the last, war, it would have been able to give ample assistance to the men. Air. Tabb suggested that the Vigilance Committee be absorbed on the Centennial Committee. Air. Short said that the regulations, were framed and their hands were tiedA resolution had-been passed in Rotorua stating that they were only prepared to assist men there. Air. Button, said that he would like a patriotic committee to be formed, that night. Air. Jephson said that they should call a general meeting and! invite the Vigilance .Committee tw be present. Air. Short said that according to the regulations the Centennial Committee was now the • Patriotic. CommitteeTliov should- wait for.a reply to tinletter and then call another meeting inviting the Vigilance Committee. The meeting then decided-to forward the protest to the Al mister and also to all Centennial Councils and Zones asking for their support-. The motion wapput- forward by Mr. do Alontalk and seconded by Air. Stevenson and carried unanimously. The meeting closed with a vote ol thanks to the chair.