PATRIOTIC WORK IN N.Z.

Southland Times, Issue 24230, 13 September 1940, Page 6

PATRIOTIC WORK IN N.Z.

REHABILITATING MEN OF FORCES GENEROUS RESPONSE TO APPEALS FOR FUNDS (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, September 12. Opening the conference of secretaries of provincial patriotic councils, the Governor-General (Lord Galway) referred particularly to the part to be played by provincial councils in assisting in the rehabilitation of 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 appealsjor funds, he said that ii. particular, the way the sick, wounded and distress fund appeal had been supported exceeded the early anticipations o' the most sanguine. There had been a very good response to the appeals for funds to provide comforts for the troops and that had enabled a great deal to be done in the camps and for the echelons as they went overseas. There 'were some persons, however, who thought the National Patriotic Fund Board was amassing vast sums of money, but he could assure them that that was not the case. In addition to providing comforts the money had been used to build recreation huts at the camps and to 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. (

“NOT DEAD MONEY” The large amount raised by the Order of St. John and the Red Cross Society was not, as some contended, dead money. It would all be utilized. As time went on, he said, and the sick and wounded began to return it would be essential for the patriotic and Red Cross organizations to work in very close harmony. The Red Cross was 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. He thought the matter should be looked at from a bigger point of view and close working relationship established.

He referred to the work done by the Lady Galway Patriotic Guild in the collecting, sorting and packing of clothing for refugees and homeless people abroad, and expressed the hope that 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 band of women.