PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 270, 13 December 1939, Page 2

PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE

CO-OPERATION OF VIGILANCE ASSOCIATION THE RAISING OF FUNDS, REGULATIONS A'HINDRANCE There was a large attendance of members of the Opbtiki Patriotic Committee and War Vigilance Association, which was held! in the Mission Hall last night, the Mayor (Mr. G. SMoody) presiding. Various minutes and correspondence were dealt with. Arising ofit of the reading of the minutes of the Bay of Plenty Patriotic Committee’s meeting held recently at, Tauranga, a question was asked re the fnrewelling of soldiers. Mr. A. 35. Martin pointed out that it would be advisable to get a definite assurance as to how far the regulations went. The Minister himself had no, power to alter the law. Tim secretary (Mr. W. Button) then road the section of t Lie - regulations dealing with the point raised. The inward correspondence was approved.. The following namesf were nominated and approved as additional member's on the committee:—Mosdames Martin. W. A. Gault. Quirk; Messrs. J. B. Gow, O. Gordon. E. W. Seville, E. A. Bn.nkall, Ef, J. , Baigent* and A. Davies. Mr. r r. Steele said he would like to make if clear that the Vigilance Association would not be absorbed in the < : V. Patriotic Committee, but would be going into the committee to assist that body. *They dlid not wish or intend to ho absorbed. Mr. A. S. tie Montalk moved that the War Vigilance Association he eoinliiiu*l with the Patriotic Committee*- as the War Vigilance section under its-, own chairman- and officers, but to still carry out the special functions for which it was formed. Mr. Martin said he was not in favour of becoming absorbed in the Patriotic Committee.

Mr. Steele said the motion would regularise the position under the Government Regulations. Mr. C. Tabb said it was undlerstood by the committee.' that the War Vigilance Association wished toi handle funds. In reply, Mr. Steele stated that at the last meeting of tin- War Vigilance Association, nob one word had boon said about funds. The motion was seconded by Mr. Stevenson. Mr. Martin said that it would be quite sufficient for members of "the War Vigilance Association to join up with the Patriotic Committee. The association would still function as a separate body and carry out its special duties. Mr. Jephson supported! Mr. Martin’s argument. Mr. W.T. Burrett said that he could not see any reason why all should not. pull together. . .... .... M'r. Steelo stated that it was the intention of the Vigilance Association l<» carry. Mr. do Montalk then withdrew his motion. Mr. Hampton moved that the chairman and secretary be appointed convener of the War Vigilance Section of the Patriotic Committee. Seconded byMr. Burrett. Mr. Burrett then asked what was expected of the local Patriotic Committee. Could they carry on by themselves or did they have to get instructions from Tauranga. Mr. Pipe said! that full reports oi what was going on at outside meetings should be supplied by the delegates. Mr. Button pointed out that at present, headquarters advised no big effort, but the position would be different when the troops went overseas. Mr. Button added that provision would be madle only while the men were in camp. Nothing was being done Jor the time when the men returned. Mr. Burrett referred to the fact that appeals for funds throughout the country lmd been disappointing and said it was because mbney eotild not be retained where collected. The chairman assured! the meeting that the regulations would) not be strictly adhered tot and there would be plenty of latitude allowed. Mr. A. F. Attwood said the reply appeared to come that morning in the form of an appeal through the post. The-Rev. Hampton said that the main tiling was provision lor the time when the men came back. 'Mr. Pipe said that the meeting should aslc the Minister to alter the Regulations and he would second Mr..