WAR FUNDS

Taranaki Daily News, 5 July 1915, Page 7

WAR FUNDS

TTIB WmLXGTOX OOXiFERENCU. Wellington, July I. A mooting of mayors ami elialrmen or patriotic committees in Wellington, Ha'wke's Bay and Taranaki was held toda), and adopted the following sll western'.-: That a fund be constituted, called the "War Relief Fund (Wellington-llawke's iliay-Taranaki branch)" for the following (a) For the relief and benefit of New Zealand wounded soldiers and sailors and of those in any way dependcut 011 them; (b) for the relief and benefit in any way dependent on Acw Zealand soldiers or sailors who have died or may die while serving their country, either in .\ T ew Zealand 01- elsewhere. The fund shall he for the relief and benefit not only of soldiers ami sailors .who were or are members of any Zealand force or of the New Zealand navy, but also of soldiers anil sailors who are. either New Zcnlanders by birt'li, domicile or adoption and have joined or will join his Majesty's annv and navy in any part of the world, and those in any way dependent on them. It is expressly declared that the fund is intended to be in augmentation of any (pension or assistance which the Xew Zealand or English Government, may grant to New Zealand soldiers or sailors and any relief or assistance granted from the fund ought not in any way to diminish or afTect the Government pension or assistance. It is declared that it is desirsd that a Dominion fund may hereafter be established for providing throughout the Dominion the relief or assistance contemplated by the fund, and the executive committee shall have power to amalgamate and pay over its innd to any such Dominion organisation upon such terms and conditions as it shall think proper. Sir John Findlav urged the need for the immediate Institution bf a national body to handle the relief funds, or it may be found that when the first batch of wounded arrive in a fortnight's time 110 one will have power to toncTi the funds that have been collected for their special benefit.