PATRIOTIC WORK.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1916, Page 8

PATRIOTIC WORK.

. TARANAKI WAR RELIEI>j| ASSOCIATION. (From Our Own Correspondent.)' Stratford, Yesterday. The Committee of the above Association met this morning. Present: Mr. J. K. Wilson (New Plymouth) chairman, Messrs. 'Kirkwood (Stratford), Mcl'iiillius (Manaia), Fleming (Va.Ua,), F. Mills (Hnwcra), Dunn (Fanners' Union), Tinsley (Opunako), • Crump (Eltham), Bcckbessinger (North Taranaki), Winfield (Inglewood). The secretary reported the receipt of £OOll Os fid from the Stratford Patriotic Committee. Mr. Kirkwood .'.aid they had another £IOOO, which would be handed over when it came due. The lion, secretary of the Advisory Board reported that the chairman, the Hon. J. T. Paul, M.L.C., had cabled Mr. Bernard Tripp, who was in London, and asked him to visit the different New Zealand hospitals, and also interview Sit Thomas Mackenzie, Lord Plunkett, J. K B. Coates and other members of the War Contingent Association, and report as to the requirements and work of the Association. His report had not been received, but from private letters to hand, Mr. Trip]) had visited the different hospitals. It was pleasing to hear that he could not speaak too highly of the work of the War Contingent Association and their organisation. Every New Zealand soldier who is sick or wounded is looked after. Mr. Tripp says: "There is no doubt our men who get wounded in France will be well looked after, so the people of New Zealand need not worry about them." Mr. Kirkwood reported regarding the monthly contribution that was being cabled to London for war relief. Tht money, formerly, was not going through the proper channel, but this had been put rjght, and for the future it would be sent by the Advisory Board direct to the New Zealand War Contingent Association. The New Zealand Red Cross Association are evidently a distinct body from the British Red Cross Association, but the money already sent through the Red Cross had been properly spent in the purchasing of comforts for men at the front. The Advisory Board had decided not to make any contribution for October, and the ma'ttu would be further considered at the November meeting of the Board before any further money would be sent. Regarding the discussion at the last meeting of the Association relative to invalided soldiers applying for asisstance, the Hawke's Bay Association wrote in reply, stating that their Association had decided to take three to six months domicile prior to enlistment as the basis of responsibility in considering applications for assistance to soldiers or their dependents generally, making no distinction regarding soldiers taking up land. Regarding the Hawke's Bay soldier who had taken tip land in Taranaki the Association replied that the reason they did not give assistance was that, in view of the purposes for which the funds were subscribed, they could not use same for the purpose of financing able-bodied meii.-

SETTLEMENT OP RETURNED TARANAKI SOLDIERS. The Committee (Messrs. McPhillips and Dunn), to whom this was referred, reported having considered the question, and stated that it would be quite easy to settle returned soldiers on land if there were unlimited funds for the purpose. In the committee's opinion, it was not a matter for an Association entrusted with money for the relief of distressed soldiers to allocate large sums of money in the settlement of the more able-bodied of these soldiers upon land. This duty was essentially one for the general government. It was possible, however, that the Association could and should assist the Government in a scheme of this kind. The most practical way to assist the Government and soldiers was by assisting with advice to those not used to farming, and, if necessary, help by getting them properly started on the land. Further, it might be possible, where necessary, for the Association to partly finance the returned soldiers with cows or stock. The whole of the funds available in the Province amounted to between .t'40,000 and £50,000. This was not a large amount when the number of returning soldiers was taken into consideration. The committee fully recognised the great importance of settling soldiers on "the land, especially when such land is suitable for close settlement. Practically the whole of the land between Hawera and Wanganni, adjacent to the railway line, and also other portions of the Taranaki province, could be profitably used for the extension of the dairying industry and closer settlement. 'This land would have to be acquired from the present owners at fair prices, and although the cost might be fairly high, it was safe to assume it would stand the rental imposed upon it. The committee recommended that the right of purchase be given with the lease. The committee were convinced that it was in the interests not only of the returned soldls*, but of the country as a whole, that every possible assistance and encouragement should be given to those who have done their duty to the State on their return to their native land. It might also be said that many of these men, prior to enlisting, sold up their farms and would now find it very difficult to get back on the land unless they were assisted in a liberal manner by the Association and the Government. The committee had only dealt with the circumstances prevailing in the Taranaki district, but they thought that if each delegate on the Advisory Board submitted a report, dealing with the circumstance? prevailing in the district which he represented, the subject could be discussed with advantage, in the interests of the brave men who have made the greatest sacrifice that man could make.

Mr. .1. McPhillips said the funds at their disposal were limited, but the Association could assist men who had taken up land by making them small advances for the purchase of stock and implements. It was the duty of the Gov-

c-rnment to buy the very best land in New Zealand for those soldiers when they returned, even if it were necessary to raise a. loan of eight millions for the purpose. He believed every man, woman, and child in New Zealand would give every penny they could to. raise the loan. Mr. Dunn said the men should be settled as they return, and not wait till they all return. Because Taranaki land might be high priced it did not follow it was dear. lie stroiij/y emphasis-1! the necessity of pushing "on the matter. Mr. Kirkwood said the big bugbear was finance. There were a number of deserving men not able to take up land unless money was available, but he thought the (Government should go mu?h further, and capitalise the cost of the farm, buildings, and stock, and allow the amount spent to be paid off in easy instalments spread over a long period. Unless something like this was done, he feared the scheme would be a failure. The chairman moved: "That the report be sent, to the Advisory Board fot consideration, with the suggestion that land, buildings, and stock should be capitalised, and the Government be asked to make easy terms of repayment" Mr. M.ils (Hawera), in seconding, said that Mr. Kirkwood's suggestion was the most practical yet brought before the committee. It had, however, to be remembered that the amount of money raised for the Soldiers' Fund was for the. assistance of all returned soldiers, no matter in what walk of life, and no sum should be ear-marked to help soldiers on the land, but the money should be used in the interests of ail returned men. The motion was carried. A meeting of the Technical Education Sub-Committee of the New Plymouth Patriotic Committee wes held yesterday, there being present, Messrs. S." G. Smith (chairman), J. Clarke, A. B. Chappell, R. Masters, and A. Gray. It was decided to invite the following gentlemen to act on the committee: T. Buchanan (Waitara), D. Evans (Inglewood), H. Jackson (Hawera). It was stated that ''accredited discharged soldiers" could obtain free second-class railway tickets for the purpose of attending technical classes. "Flotuer Day" next Saturday will again be in aid of the Nurses'' Comforts' Fund, which worthy cause deserves all the patronage the public can bestow. The Mayoress (Mrs. Burgessasks owners of gardens to again come forward with as many blooms as they can spare. The Red Cross Mart will bo open as usual on Saturday, and contributions of all descriptions are solicited by the Committee. Farm and dairy produce, vegetables, jams, pickles, cakes, and bread will be especially acceptable, but no contribution of any sort will be refused.

At the Bollantl Hall this afternoon, the public should attend in large numbers to witness the display of Christmas gifts for the Taranaki soldiers. Mesdames Hugh Baily and D. K. Morrison, who are again responsible this year for this worthy cause have secured a magnificent collection, redounding to the generosity of North Taranaki people, and it is well worth viewing. Flower, produce, ice-cream, and perfume and soap stalls will doubtless prove magnets to visitors, and the atfernoon tea "stal l is sure to be largely patronised. Mrs. Wood's orchestra will play at intervals during the afternoon special musical 'terns. In other respects all patrons will be well catered for. The hall has been beautifully decorated, and nothing is wanting to attract the public. The following is a list of the workers for the afternoon: Tea Committee: Mrs. Orbell, Misses 0. Mackay, R. Whitton, M. Corkill, Goldwater B. Matthews, E. Baily; Flowers, Perfume and Soap Stalls: Misses Radford, Leatham, Kirkby, and Matthews; Ice Cream and Fruit Salad: Misses K. Leatham, Webster, McLeland, and Winfield; Produce Stall: Mesdames Dockrill, Penn, Matthews, Wilson, and Miss B. Smith. Mrs. Burgess has received for B Company a gramaphone from Mr. Cocker, which has been forwarded, also records from Mesdames J. Paul, Chancy, Skclton, and Bowling. Mrs. Burgess also acknowledges receipt of a second gramophone with a ease of two and fourminute records complete, from Mr. Bert Allen. Tiie New Plymouth Borough Council have handed to the Soldiers' Club the management of one of the rooms in the upper portion of the building, and that room being available for meetings, Mrs. Burgess appeals fo:' forms, tables, and chairs to furnish the same. Mesdames Hugh Baily and Morrison acknowledge, with thanks, contributions to their fund for Christmas parcels for the boys at the front as follow: The Misses Leatham, £2; Mrs. Paul, 10s Gd; Mrs. Greatbach, fts; Mrs. Rowe, 2s Cd; Jean Smart, Is; for soldiers' comforts: Mrs. Bpenee, Carrington Road, fowls/; Mrs. Hart, fowls; Mrs. Firmston, produce, books, and watch; Mrs. Burgess, Warea, and Mrs. C. K. Street, produce; Miss Randolph Smith, biscuits; Mrs. Monk and Mrs. MeMurray, Christmas cakes; Mesdames H. Skelton, Chancy, Parker, R. M. Corney, and Kendall, cakes; Miss Stanford, cake; Mi«s Parker, cake,