PRACTICAL PATRIOTISM

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 281, 17 February 1928, Page 9

PRACTICAL PATRIOTISM

REDUCING NATIONAL DEBT PUBLIC FUND SUGGESTED By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright LONDON, Wednesday. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Winston Churchill, has publicly expressed the thanks of the nation, and his warm appreciation of the patriotism of two British visitors to Nice. rpHEY recently won £6,000 at baccarat, and telegraphed to Mr. Churchill offering to devote a substantial part of their winnings to the national debt reduction fund. The Chancellor has also received a letter saying “Having seen in the papers that someone kindly gave £500,000 to help to reduce the national debt, I felt I would like to do a bit myself, so I am sending you ten shillings, as lam only a poor man.” Mr. Churchill has gratefully acknowledged this gift, and another of £IOO. Vice-Admiral Sir Reginald Hall, M.P. for Eastbourne, and formerly principal agent of the Conservative Party, speaking at a public dinner in his constituency, said he hoped Sussex would be the first county to start, a public fund to assist in the reduction of the national debt. Within a few minutes) £SO was subscribed, and a committee was formed to carry out the scheme. It Is felt that if the movement becomes popular throughout Britain—perhaps even throughout the Empire—a hugf> sum might be raised. Several critics, however, see objections to locking up money for 50 or 100 years.—A. and N.Z.