PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

Taihape Daily Times, 24 April 1919, Page 6

PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

o THEIR CUSTODY DISCUSSED.

WELLINGTON, April 22. The Hon. Russell made a statement regarding the custody cf patriotic funds to-day. in the coursb of Avhich he stated that the Solidt-"vGnnsral, to whom th. 1 matter had beer: referred for comment, had forwarded an opinion that the statement made by the Minister in vetoing the suggested transfer from the Lady Liverpool Fund of a sum

fcr building a Returned Soldiers' Club was a correct summary of the local position. The Minister further stated that in accordance with the advice of the Solicitor-General, instructions had been given to the "War Funds Office to prepare a complete schcidulc of tail war funds consisting of over £IO,OOO, showing the objects for which thoy were raised, income for the last financial year, amount spent on the objects for which the fund was established, and the credit at the close of the financial year. The Minister said there was no desire on the part of the Government in auy way to interfere with the control or management of any fund, provided the objects" of the fund were being given effect to by the trustees. Where, however, as in the case of the Lady Liverpool Fund, the purpose for which the fund was established had ceased to exist, a responsibility was laid on the Government. The Government had every wish to see these moneys were held for the men .and their dependents for whom they were subscribed.