Stratford's War Fund.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 94, 11 August 1914, Page 2

Stratford's War Fund.

A REPRESENTATIVE MEETING OF LEADING CITIZENS. STRONG COMMITTEES FORMED.

The meeting of citizens called by the -Mayor to be held at the Borough Council Chambers yesterday afternoon was very well attended, those present being representative of all classes of the community. The meeting was openod by the singing of a verse of the National Anthem. The Mayor said that afternoon's meeting was without doubt the most important which had ever been held in the Borough Council Chambers, or in the town for that matter; and a meeting of a like nature would not again be held in their lifetime. The purpose for which they were gathered was in connection with the Empire—■ the most important purpose for which they could ever gather. The safety of the Empire was at stake and they were met to give what assistance they could to prevent the British Dominions being encrpached upon by the Power which was now attacking Great Britain. It was not necessary for him to deliver a patriotic speech. Ho thought the people of Stratford were patriotic enough without being worked up. That had boon well demonstrated by the emergency meeting at the Post Office on Saturday. There

was one thing ho was pleased to be able to announce. The manager of the Bank of New Zealand had informed him that the Bank would not put any pressure - on clients during tho Avar. Ho hoped this policy would bo followed by all the banks in the country and also that New Zealand financial institutions would not be pressed by institutions outside the Dominion. Already there was in hand a sum of £332. (Applause). In addition to that Mr Newton King had promised £SO and at a meeting that afternoon the Racing Club had decided to contribute £IOO. Although the Racing Club's donation was not exactly legal the gentlemen who had attended the meeting took full responsibility for tho action taken. (Applause). That made £482 collected in Stratford,so far,-and the sum would lie increased by sums in hand by the Egmorit and Stratford Clubs.-Ho' believed tho total would ultimately reach a thousand pounfls,/which would' be highly creditable to the district. The sports candidate had agreed that the proceeds from the social to be given in her favor on Thursday evening' sfhohhl, be devoted to the war fund, and for this .action 'shb •'deserved!! high : conihiend-, iition. (Applause). The whole question! of the Queen funds iwould be com. sidered' on Tuesday, and lie felt sure that the:executive would'agree to the transference of the funds. A small committeo had been formed on Saturday and" had done everything possible in connection with tho fund. A great. many citizens (both ladies and gentlemen) had been approached and had expressed, their willingness to forward 'the movement, .It ;was proposed to set up' a central committee, which would be,an executive with. general,, powers to act. It was not desirable that this committee should be a large one, as it would probably, have to be called together frequently. With any other committees appointed it would have to remain in operation for sometime, as it was not reasonable to.presume that the war would be soon over. They must be prepared to operate foi some time. Citizens had already subscribed large amounts/' but- he had nc doubt that if the need arose those sums would bo duplicated. It was proposed that the central executive .consist of seven members. It was also proposed to set up another committee which would be in charge o! working guilds. This committee would elect an executive from its members, other members being formed into committees to direct working guilds. It was desired to have every citizen Interested in the movement, either by joining the committees or by individual effort. It was proposed to be set up was a men's country collecting committeo. Haying this composed 01. men would relieve the ladies and enable them to devote their energies to their special departments. Another committee would be set up to take charge of any entertainments which might be given. This committee would help with the social on Thursday. The sports committee would have charge of arrangements, but the now commit tee could render a good deal of assistance. As it would practically be a "war" social there would be an overflowing crowd at the Town Hall. J I. was very gratifying to the provisional committee to find that all the clergymen of tho district when approached, expressed a desire to further the movement. On Mr Hole's motion the following central executive was appointed: The Mayor, Dr. Paget and Messrs T. H. Peun, H.»E. Abraham, J. B. Richards, N. J. King and J. W. McMillan. Dr. Paget said it was hoped that small working guilds would •be formed, consisting of seven or eight ladies, or sue!) smaller number as was found desirable, to make up material which would be supplied from the funds ii the hands of the central executive, it was desirable that there should be some central body to control the work of these guilds, to supply them with materials, patterns, etc., and to collect the made-up articles. This arangement would ensure that the fullest possible results would be obtained from the efforts of the guilds. This scheme for getting ladies fco work had been suggested by Lady Liverpool, and, coming from such a quarter, lie was sure'thc scheme would have the very heartiest support of all citizens. (Applause). In drawing up the scheme locally it was not found possible to allot ladies to various departments, i Therefore a large committee of ladies

would bo appointed and with their, would be associated the clergymen of the district and some gentlemen versed in business affairs. From this committee would be elected a central committee and small committees to control the guilds. There would necessarily be some ladies'who had been overlooked, but every endeavor had been made to make the committee representative. On his motion the following were appointed to the committee: Mesdames Gardiner, 0. Curtis, T. Reader, Prentis, Dixon, White, Hopkins, Middleton, Dingle, Petrie, Riera, Kivel] and C. Penn, Miss Papps, Revs. Howard, Maples, Header, Pattison, Adjutant Tatton and Messrs P. Thomson and S. Macalister. On the motion of Mr N. J. King the following were appointed the men's 'country collecting committee: Messrs W. H. H. Young, F. Dobson, F. W. Wobstor, W. A. Hewitt, E. C. Robinson and E. Jackson.

The following entertainment committee was appointed on the motion of Mr Young:—Messrs D. J. Malone, C. D. Sole, T.Kirkwood, A. D. Stanley, A. J. Davey, W. Besley and G. Hunter. The Mayor said that in Lhe meantime the money in hand had been banked in the names of himself-and Mr T. H. Penn as trustees. The doctors of Stratford had decided to give their services free to the families of men who went to the front. (Applause). It had been 'suggested to him that a Captain Scott woollen helmet would be a very suitable article to supply. An oflice would be opened for the use of committees. Mr McMillan though; the Defence authorities should he approached as to the articles most likely to be required. For instance our men might be sent to a hot elima.te, when a Captain Scott helmet would be quite out of place. Before the meeting closed Mr J. B. Richards said the natural law of survival of the fittest was just about to come into operation; and if they could not stand together, make sacrifices and exercise self-denial, then they must admit that they were not the fittest. ' , • The meeting was concluded with the National Anthem.