PATRIOTIC EFFORTS
Sir,—J. D. Campbell’s letter in your issue of Saturday last can only serve to perpetuate any confusion and doubt that might exist in the public mind. He was invited frankly to tell the public that the Patriotic Fund provides the sinews of war for the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and the Red Cross. Instead he launched into a description of the various activities of nis institution and the voluntary work or its members and their self-sacrifice. This has never been in doubt. Many other humanitarian organizations have done excellent work but they are not now trying to throw a spanner into our patriotic machinery. On the contrary, Saturday night’s broadcast must have convinced listeners of the excellence of the Patriotic Board’s administration and the appreciation of the _ various spending organizations benefiting from it. By the way, was there a speaker tor the Red Cross or was I unfortunate enough to miss the address? The president of the Red Cross Society ends up his letter with this statement: “Finally it should be emphasized that never at any time has the Patriotic Council or the Sick and Wounded Fund contributed one penny towards the cost of the work of the Southland Red Cross Society.” Here the truth conceals the truth. Let the public not be misled by it. The issue is not with the peace-time activities of the Red Cross, but with the attitude of some of its members, in its war-time activities. He fails to inform his readers that there are peacetime and war-time activities. He is referring to the former, but readers might be led to believe that what he says applies to the latter. There is nothing to prevent the society from appealing for peace-time funds, but its members have been making patriotic appeals on its behalf without authority from the Patriotic Council and paying the proceeds direct to the Red Cross. Why should the Patriotic Board, a war-time organization, give one penny towards the Red Cross peace-time activities? The society is well endowed and will always command the support of the public to carry out the objects of its existence. The Patriotic Board fully provides funds for its war-time needs. May we not be distracted from our obligations by the pettiness of a few. Our utmost endeavour and self-sacrifice are necessary if we are to pull through this crisis. COGNOSCENS.
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Southland Times, Issue 24825, 18 August 1942, Page 3
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398PATRIOTIC EFFORTS Southland Times, Issue 24825, 18 August 1942, Page 3
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