WOUNDED SOLDIERS' FUND.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 April 1916, Page 6

WOUNDED SOLDIERS' FUND.

MEETING AT OMATA. j An adjourned meeting to devise ways' and mcaua towards supplementing the New Plymouth ll'atriotic Committee's Wounded Soldiers' i'und was held at the Oinatu Hall on Thursday evening. Mr. K. R. Bayly was voted to the chair, and iu taking it congratulated the district of Omata on the large gathering (there being over fifty ladies and gentlemen present). It went to show that as time went on there was an ever-increas-ing interest taking place in oiir boys at the front. The chairman then read a lengthy letter from Mr;"J. E. Wilson, chairman of. the New Plymouth Patriotic Committee, which gave reasons for the necessity of raising funds for the wounded soldiers. He understood from a previous promise given that they would be addressed at this meeting by members of the committee, and called on Mr. D. .T. Hughes, who was a, member of that body, to address them. The chairman explained that Mr. Hughes had apologies for the non-appearance of his fellow-cojiiniitteemen.

Mr. Hughes, on rising to speak, said he wished to apologise for Mr. Wilson, who went to Wellington that morning; the deputy-chairman, Mr. Carter, who was ill; the Mayor, deputy-Mayor and other members, who had previous engagements; also their Council member, Mr Duncan McAllum. The speaker stressed the point of canvassing thoroughly each district so a3 to raise a sufficient sum of money, and so end this continual solicitation for funds. If they raised a sufficient sum, say £6OOO or £7OOO, from that end of Taranaki they could then give people rest. The money would be wanted for various purposes—to help those whom the State, dues not sufficiently provide for, including the dependents of those maimed or killed, or those in need while the breadwinners are at the war; or perhaps for buying'homes for returned men, or small areas of land for farming. There were many who would want to learn a, trade, Start a business, etc. No one could tell how long this war would last or what sacrifices would yet have to he made, but it behoved all to do their utmost. They were getting extraordinary prices for their commodities and had many blessings showered on them which those near the of war were not enjoying. If the war lasted much longer conscription must come, and those who were called on to protect their country, when they were in the trenches they would have a clear conscience and pleasant thoughts as to what they had done for their wounded brethren, especially as it might be their turn next. Although personally against t'hc whole business of this private collecting of monies, which he thought the State should have done, it showed their weakness by not having done so. The speaker went on to say that war profits should have been commandeered or taxed so that those who were benefiting should pay what they had not earned. Now that this unfair and obnoxious method had been started, he supposed it must go on. , The meeting then started to get to business, and a motion was passed—"That the Omata district be canvassed for funds, gift stock and produce for the New Plymouth 'Patriotic Wounded Soldiers' Fund." The second motion carried was —"That the boundaries he the Tapuae stream, along the Harford and Phcnie roads on the west and north, and along the Barrett road on the east, down the borough boundary and through Spots- | wood." Canvassers were appointed for each road.

Mr. K. R. Bayly was appointed chairman, Mr. Meycnberg secretary, and Mr. D. Hooker treasurer.

It was resolved to hold a jumble and auction sale on Thursday, May 18, with an entertainment in the Omata Hall in the evening.

A strong committee of lad'es was appointed to meet on Wednesday, the 2fith inst., to appoint canvassers for produce, works of art, or which ivill add to the funds. AH canvassers will meet in the hall on Tuesday, May 2, it S p.m., to report on progress made. Mr. Newton King is to be asked to kindly send an auctioneer for May 18 to sell goods.