FUND FOR WOUNDED AND DEPENDANTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 June 1915, Page 7

FUND FOR WOUNDED AND DEPENDANTS.

To tlio Editor. Sir, —The question of a National Fund is being discussed in nearly every town. Tliere is a good deal to be said in favor of such, providing all are agreed. It does not look as though the four centres will agree to a central fund being worked from the Empire City, liven if a committee were set up to represent Mich town contributing it would bo unweildy, and possibly cause delay in attending to urgent cases. It would be a good tiling to have a conference of M's.P., mayors, and chairmen of patriotic committees in Taranaki to discuss this question. A provincial committee, with representatives from all contributing bodies, meeting in a central town to administer the fund, might bo more acceptable to the people. If such were done, a sub-committce could be appointed to deal with cases of urgency in their respective districts. Possibly such a sub-commttee could ascertain the financial position of those enlisting, and in cases where the paying of premiums of those who have insured is going to oe a burden, to make provision for assisting. At tho conference we could discuss tlie importance of insuring Taranaki men going to the front lip to ,1200 ,who leave widows or dependents unprovided for. Even if we decide not to pay the whole of premiums we could pay tho war risk of 5 per cent, on amounts not exceeding £2OO. Many men will not have insured before the war. Should we not consider those who have not ? Sometime ago a correspondent wrote suggesting that the Government should make provision for the widows and dependents. No doubt when Parliament meets they will arrange a graduated war tax. Should they decide to make allowance of 20/- per week to n widow? Surely the people of New Zealand will not consider this a sufficient allowance to those who have lost the chief bread- ] winner of the family. Our patriotism can be shown in a practical way by raising a fund to enable us to supplement any allowance made by the Government to widows, mothers, orphans and wounded. In the meantime, the 11-i----wera committee will hold all monies j received in, trust. I feel certain there are men in Taranaki who cannot go to war who would willingly pay the premium for one volunteering for active service —I am, etc.,

E. DJXOX. Mayor of 9lnw«»ra. (We refer to tliose snimostions in our loading columns. —Ed., D.N,)