PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1916, Page 4

PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE.

FORTNIGHTLY MEETING. A meeting of the ''Patriotic Commits was held last night, when there were present Mcsrs J. E. Wilson (chairman). A. B. Gibson, C. Carter, F. 0. J. Bellringer, W. J, Chaney, J. Clarke, J. S. S. Medley, 0. N. Firth, T. C. List, C. E. Bellringer, J. F. Arnold, J. E. Hill, A. Gray, Captain Hartnell, Revs. A. H. Colvile, F. Hale, and A. B. Chappell. THE COMMITTEE. In the absence of Mr. D. J. Hughes, Mr, J. Clarke moved, in accordance with notice, that any member absent from three consecutive meetings without apology forfeit his seat. Mr. C. Carter seconded. Rev. A. H. Colvile snid that while the resolution was intended for the slacker he did not think the larger attendance _ was required. While not opposing the motion, 'he strongly favored the appointment of a small committee, com- ' , posed of, say, ten or twelve members. The chairman agreed. Once the work of collecting was over, and the fund* were banded over to the Provincial Association, he intended suggesting the appointment of a smaller committee, whose functions would be more or les'B of an advisory nature. They would be able to afford temporary relief, but caseg of a permanent nature would have to go before the Provincial Association.. He pointed out that the committee had other functions; they had to administer various patriotic funds besides the Wounded Soldiers',. Fund. Mr. A. B. Gibson saw no reason for a small committee. The present committee comprised .all sections of the community. He suggested the appointment of a small suib-couiraittee to undertake particular work. Mr. Bellringer remarked tha£ all the work s of the committee 'was not done at the table. The motion was carried. Later on Mr. Clarke brought up the question of appointing sub-committees, and, on the motion of Mr. Gibson, a sub-committee comprising the chairman, Messrs Paton, List, Clarke, Carter and Gibson was appointed to submit a report to next meeting. RESIGNATIONS. Adjutant Home, of the Salvation Army, tendered his resignation as a member of the committee, owing to his departure from New Plymouth. Mr. W. H. Moyes also resigned his position as a member, as owing to tlie difficulties of staffing tlte school at present it was impossible for him to absent himself from school duties on Monday or Tuesday evenings. The resignations were accepted LAND FOR RETURNED SOLDTERS. Hon. W. F. Massey, Minister for Lands, in acknowledging receipt of the committee's letter asking that when lands are purchased for returned soldiers, such lands should be purchased in Taranaki for returned Taranaki soldiers, stated that the matter would receive attention, and the chairman of, the Lsnd Purchase Board had been informed of the committee's request. It was remarked that the Government had set aside some land, which Messrs Jennings and M'ilkinson, M's.'P., had stated in the House was unsuitable for the purpose. Some discussion ensued as to the advisability of the committee taking any further action. Mr. T. C. List spoke in favor of the committee supporting Messrs Jennings and Wilkinson in their efforts.' Both members had asked the Government to secure some improved land close to the railway for returned soldiers. There were large estates along the railway line, between Patea and Wanganiii. containing thousands of acres, 50 acres of which would support a soldier. In north or central Taranaki there were fpw large tracts of land suitable for cutting urn. The land available was mostly of fourth class, in the bnckblocka, only suitable to 'be worked by wealthy men. That was not what was required. Thev should help the soldiers who hnrt returned. He moved that the committee surmnrt the Taranaki members in their efforts to influence the Government to obtain suitable improved land for the returned soldiers. If all the Patriotic Committees passed resolutions in support, the members would lie better able to effect their purpose. The. speaker proceeded to criticise the Patriotic Committee, which, he considered, was one of the slowest in the province. It was too i large and nnwieldly. Everybody's business was nobody's business. They should reduce the committee, say, to seven. Mr. Carter seconded. Mr. C. E. Bellringer was not prepared to say that land was unsuitable when he knew nothing whatever about it. He thought that land could not be secured that was too good for the soldiers. It was ridiculous to place the men in the Ibaekblocka. Y.M.C.A. I The chairman reported that the sum of £SOO had been forwarded to the YM.C.A., and a letter was read from Mr. A. Varney, secretary, appreciating the assistance given by the committee. He continued: "Our secretaries are now with the troops at the base depot in France, and are continuing the work there on the some lines as we have been doing in Egypt. We intend to render the utmost service in our power to help f and carry comforts to the men who are sacrificing so much for us who are left behind." The Y.M.C.A. sub-committee reported that it had sent forward an additional £SO, money in hand, and had decided that no further appeal would be made to the public for this fund for the next three months; also, that the matter of holding a concert should be deferred meanwhile, SOLDIERS' CLUB. Captain Hartnell, reporting on the question of the Soldiers' Club, stated that the committee had approached the Borough Council to requisition the Council Chambers which it was understood would be evacuated shortly, and whilst , the Borough Council were sympathetic, they were unable to decide at present. < Meanwhile the committee were not looking round for another building. Regarding finance, Mrs. Burgess was of opinion that sufficient was now in hand to equip and maintain the clUb for some time. A further report will be submitted. next meeting. GENERAL. The Govcrnor-in-Council, liavrng Kf proved of the transfer of funds to the, Taranaki Provincial War Relief Association, te committee resolved to transfer their funds accordingly. Notification was received from the secretary that the Taranaki Provincial War Relief Association approved ot badges lor returned soldiers being distributed under the control of th« Aaaociatioiu