MEMORIAL FUND.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 403, 9 April 1937, Page 3

MEMORIAL FUND.

CAMPS FOR CHILDREN. Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes’s Appeal. Wellington, April 9. It is my pleasant duty to reinforce the appeal made by the Prime, Minister, Right Hoh. Mr Bavage, for donations from the citizens of New Zealand to the King George V. National Memorial Fund which is to be used for the permanent establishment of Children’s Health Camps. Both the fund and the object for which it is to be used have my oaf-best support, and I am sure you Will agree with me that these camps will be a fitting memorial to a Sovereign whose especial interest was the welfare of his people, particularly the children. The death of His late Majesty was received with deep sorrow in every part of the Was as if a close personal friend had passed away—and it behoves our generation to perpetuate his memory. For over 25 years, our late King had been both a monarch and a sincere and-, sympathetic friend of his peoples. Their welfare was his constant consideration to the very end, and he set a, standard of unselfish devotion to public duties that is a permanent pattern for ail Who take part in the public life and service of their country. I had the privilege of an audience with His late Mialestyi when attending the Jubilee Celeb rations in May, 1935, and he thei expressed his appreciation’ of the kindness shown to him arid to Queer- Mary on the occasion of their visit to New Zealand in 1901, and also his appreciation of the kindness shown tv his son, the Duke of Gloucester whin he visited us in 1934. During the celebrations which marked the twenty-fifth year of his reign, I had opportunity of observing the manifestations of the feelings of loyalty in which he was held by his subjects. The d monstrations which greeted the Roj'al process ions will ever remain t< ma an indelible memory, and they were a testim-o'ny not only of oitr late King’s qualities of s.att smanship--great as they were and invaluable a-i they Were throughout the trouble tome times of his ■■elgn - bit: also a testimony to his deep and abidiri|( sympathy fdr tho9e In adversity. Be never spared himself to do everything in his power to assist those in difficulties- and his words of comfort and wisdom must have heartened: knd inspired millions Of his -subjects. Uy His noble example he strengthened and deepened the loyalty of the people to the Throne, And we, who chi Irish memories of his affectionate leadership, are now called upon to provide tor future generations a fitting memorial which will remind future generations of the love of the pet pie of this age for King George V. Fitting Remembrance. The permaim mt health camps, which the Memorial Fund will provide; like the memorial playing fields which are being established by a similar fund in Great Britain, will keep the name of our late King in fitting remembiance. No scheme could have been chosen more likely to please one who has always had the intereats <f the young people very close at heart. You will recall ’hat in his "hristmas broadcast addresses to the Empire he asked to be looked upon ns the head of a large family, and in the establishment of health camps wo are about to provide for the more unfortunate members of that family. Here is an opportunity; let u 8 grasp it. I appeal to our people to make this memorial national in every sense- of the word. Let us all contribute according to our means. It ioes not matter how small bur contributions may bo; it is the spirit be hind them that counts, andi I know that that spirit in prevalent throughout the Dominion. I would like to make a special appeal to the women of New Zealand to get behind this movement for the improvement of the health of the children of the- Dominion. It is- the natural follow on of -the work of the Pluhket Society in saving the babies, and the remarkable success that has been achieved in that direction shows what our women ciin do, and I appeal to them to do likewise with this National Memorial and make it worthy of a great and good King and a bless Ing to thousands and thousands of children as the years go on.