CORRESPONDENCE. PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 103, 2 May 1916, Page 4

CORRESPONDENCE.

PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—l am fairly disgusted with the cadging that i s going on o&$ little district. First, we #re asked to help the Red Cross, and then the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. In most cases the canvassers are wealthy men, and more the shame, as they should set an example by giving the profits that they have made through the war. Here w e see the wealth rolling in to these wealthy men, but not one of them are game enough to set an example and give their war profits to these funds. Oh, no! They ar,e contented to appeal to every class. It's no wonder we see iso many motor-cars- flying about I think it would be better if these wealthy men, instead of buying motorcars, gave motor-ambulances for the men who are fighting for them. And, again, -we see them asking the working man to -aelp. Is it fair to ask these noble men to help, seeing that their wages have not been increased, and in most cases they are the ones that are giving freely. They give the money that they have earned by the sweat of their brow, Avhile the "wealthy squatten has made thousands through this frar; and I consider that they have given nothing. I hope that they "will see the injustice they are doing to the noble sons "who are mostly workers," who ar e fighting for them. Here we see the soldiers returning, and are they getting fair treatment? I say, No! In

the first place, these noble men should be entitled to some of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. Where is the money that has been collected? Does anyone know? I am sure I don't, and would very much like to know. If these wealthy men do not want conscription of wealth, let them give the money they have made by the war to the men who are fighting for them. If not, a tax on married men that are childless, and also the bachelor, according to their means, for these menare doing nothing for the State, ans the sooner a tax is put on them the better. Well, I sincerely hope that this may wake the wealthy men Tip and give their war profits to the men' who are fighting for them. Now, Sir, I contend that the workers should have their wages increased so as to enable them to give a little to the funds, and also Itet them live a little better and rear a family, for. it is amongst the working classes that large families are to be found. I say they should be given every encouragement to rear a family, for Mrs. Wealth has not tii* to rock a cradle and give entertainments. I hope some abler pen than mine will take this matter up for such a noble cause.-—I am, etc.,, FAIR PLAY, D.C.M.

(To the Editor.) ~,-.., ■.. Sir.- —Everyone will agree that the appeal for funds throughout the Dominion for our wounded soldiers met with a liberal' response and as a conse* quence large amounts are now in the hands of Patriotic Committees. Those who gave their money freely no doubt thought that all returned wounded would b e treated liberally, but that appears not to be th e case. At a sendoff in Rtngiwaea to a young man going to the front,, several cases of absolute hards-hip were quoted. I am unable to say whether the statements made were correct but there is certainly a general impression that the Patriotic Committees —including our own in Taihape—have adopted a rather close-fisted policy. Is there not a possibility of ffi Committee feeling its responsibility too keenly, and only giving aid in the very worst cases. We have all the most intense sympathy for our returned wounded. Let none of them be itt' want. Extend to them all a helping hand to show that we fully appreciate what they have done. We have Taised nearly £12,000 without anyone in the district being mueK the poorer, and, if necessary, I think w e can do it again. The proposal of securing rooms for a soldiers' cM> 111 Taihape was dropped as being too big an undertaking. We have in the town a splendidly equipped club already. Why not give the returned wounded the free use of it? Nothing is surely too good for them. —I a,m, etc.,/ RANGIWAEA.