SOLDIERS’ CHILDREN.

Taihape Daily Times, 2 May 1919, Page 5

SOLDIERS’ CHILDREN.

THE SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME,

DR. RIDDELL’S VIEWS,

Tho other day, Dr. J. E. Riddell, who Is so well known in the Hawke's Bay district, was visiting Wellington, where he was interviewed on tin* subject of the T.rentham Dominion Scholarships Art Imion. It is well known by all tliose interested that Dr. Riddell’s energy has had a great deal ro do with the progress of this scheme. The Doctor has himself contributed over £IOOO to the fund in prizes—such is his practical sympathy with fho soldiers’ kddics. And the interviewer’s object rvas to secure as much information as possible from the Doctor concerning the manner in which it was proposed to administer the fund.

“Well,” said Dr. Riddell,. “ the fund was originated by Colonel H. R. Potter, C.M.jCx., N.Z.5.C.., when he was Camp Commandant at Trentham Camp. •Starting in a small way, the fund was so enthusiastically received by prominent gentlemen, that the scheme developed into a much more ambitious project than was originally considered. No doubt, ” continued Dr. Riddell. “th e hard work of Colonel Potter anil his keen enthusiasm for the cause had a

great, deal to do with the development of interest in the fund. The trustees are: Major-General Sir A. Robin, K.C.M.G., C. 8., General Officer Commanding N.Z. Forces; Dr. W. J. Anderson, Director of Education, and Colonel Potter.

“The objects of the fund can only be generally stated, since, until the amount subscribed is ascertained is ascertained, it is impossble to determine the exact application of the money. A broad outline of the scheme, however. can be given. It is a Dominion fund for every part of New Zealand, and the general object, is to promote or assist in the promotion of education of tho children ,of soldiers of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces who have been killed or have been on active service in this Avar. If funds permit, the children of members of any branch of His Majesty 's Forces who Averc on active service during the war will be included, so long as the parents were domiciled in New Zealand at the time of enlistment. In administering the funds, the necessities of the child and of his or her parent or parents and all surrounding circumstances Avill be taken into consideration. It is proposed to provide free places, scholarships, and bursaries at the A r arious colleges, and to furnish an allowance in the case of each student, to enable him or her to go through with the tuition.

“Provided funds are available, there is also a scheme proposed to take 50 of the children of those who made the supreme sacrifice, and put these 500 right through into their professions as architects, engineers, doctors, etc.; the people to act as loco parentis. Four out of the 50 children would be Maoris, for surely the Maoris have a claim upon ns, considering their splendid share in the fighting. “Of course,” went on the Doctor, “what can be done depends entirely upon the amount, of money raised; and what wc want to do first of all is to get as much money as possible into the fund before 30th June, when this Art Union closes. It is proposed do raise £IOO,OOO, and if that sum is reached, a great deal can be done with it for the children of New Zealand’s heroes.

“Some people don’t seem to want to buy Art Union tickets, and yet. they are sympathetic towards the splendid scheme of helping the soldiers’ children. Yet surely there is no need for all these people to stand out. because wc arc accepting donations. Bo please tell your readers that if they wish to help the kiddies without buying tickets they can send their cheques along to the secretary, and they will be duly acknowledged. “'Nothing that wo can do for these youngsters is enough. Their fathers went away to the front, and died to keep Now Zealand safe from the Hun. Now that the children are left fatherless, the least, we can do is to look after them. It is up to every selfrespecting New Zealander to put what he' or she can afford into this fund, either as'a donation, or by purchasing tickets. One of the best plans, which a great many people have adopted, is to purchase a few tickets every week. You never miss an odd shilling or two, and there’s always the chance of winning some of the £O3OO worth of

prizes.’ ’