PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 March 1917, Page 4

PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE.

MONTHLY MEETING. A meeting of the Patriotic Committee was held in the Club Rooms last night, when there were present: Messrs C. H. Burgess (chairman), W. J. Chaney, J, R. Hill, A. fi. Gibson, C. Sadler, H. Good' acre, T. C. List, J. Paton (treasurer), L, M. Monteith (secretary). TRENTHAM SOCIAL CLUB. The Mayor of Wellington circularise'! the committee, pointing out that a commodious clubhouse for the social welfare and comfort of the officers, non-commis-sioned officers, and men in camp at Troiitham was Hearing completion. It contained a social hall, billiard rooms, reading and writing rooms, and custodian quarters. The-cost of erection had been contributed partly by the Government and partly by local contributions, An urgent need had long existed for such a club, and the need would be more acutely felt during the winter. A similar club had already been provided at Featherston Camp. Funds were needed for the furnishing of tho club, which *\-as estimated to require £2OOO. At a public meeting held in Wellington it was decided to make a direct appeal to the public to subscribe the sum.

A further circular pointed out thai accommodation would be provided for al! ranks, and that the control would be in the hands, of tho soldiers themselves, As the club was for the general u>« and comfort of men from all part» of tho Dominion, it was felt that tho appeal should be equally general. Among many o|ther necessary tilings, seven billiard ttibles were required. It had been Bug•Rested that these fables should be provided by different cities or lowns, and that any table so provided should have a plate attached bearing a suitable inscription. Such a table would undoubtedly possess a sentimental value apart

from its value as a means of recreation,' The circular asked the town to provide one of the tables, or the money necessary for its purchase, or as an afteraative a contribution towards the fiflrtd.

Tile chairman pointed out that the committee only had £2OO available. "

Mr. Gibson thought that the public would like an opportunity of contributing. The ladies would raise the money in one Saturdav.

Mr. Saddler did not think the matter should be placed before the ladies, who had quite enough to do at present. The chairman agreed.

Sir. T. C. List considered this was a cause that the committee should support by making a contribution. Mr. Goodacre suggested communicating with the other Patriotic Leagues in Taranaki, and endeavoring to forward a "Taranaki Billiard Table."

Mr. Paton suggested making New Plymouth's contribution £25, and appealing to the other societies to make up tho amount necessary to provide a Taranaki table.

This was put in the form ot a motion and carried, -

Mr. Goodacre suggested'that the other societies should br ■ approached through the War Relief Association, but this was left in the hands of the chairman and secretary.

THE CARE OF RETURNED MEN. The committee set up to consider the advisability of making arrangements for returned soldiers to stay at the Mountain House, reported that they had held a meeting, at. which it was resolved' to recommend that arrangements should be made to reserve, say, four bunks in the Old Mountain House for returned soldiers, who wish to visit the mountain; that a supply of non-perishable good* be kept at the house; and that a set of blankets and bed-linen for four beds be kept for the sole use of returned solfliers. The committee understood that there would be a caretaker in charge of the old house during the winter, and that there was a piano in the old house, also open fireplace, range, and cookjng materials, and chat the charge would ,b* Is (id per day to the committee. The report was adopted, and it wat in the hands of the committee tc mako the necessary arrangements, tht sending of the men Jp the house being left to the Wounded Soldiers' Committee, of which Mr. J. »R, Hill is chairman. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The statement for the two months to ' Maruh 27, 1917, was submitted, as -follows: Receipts.—Balance as per last statement, .-£322 12s; Mrs. J. B. Thomson, Y.M.C.A., £1; Mrs. Martin, /Y.M.CjL, £1; Mrs. Sumner, Y.M.C.A., £1; Herald and Budget fund withdrawn from P.O. Savings Bank, £1037 12s 8d; N.P. Patriotic Fund withdrawn from.P.O. Savings liank, £1076 8s txl; total, £2488 13s 3d. Expenditure.—City Fruit and Flower Co , fruit, £3 5s 8d; balance of Wounded Soldiers' Fund, transferred to Imprest account, £ll4 4s Od; amount'transferred to Taranaki Provincial War Relief Association, Stratford, £2114 'is 3d| total, £2231 lis od. Balance in hand for Y.M.C.A., £6 15sj old Patriotic Fund, £2Ol As lOil; total, £2OB Is lOd. GENERAL. Mr. R. L. Mcllroy, secretary of tht Taranaki Branch of the N.Z. Educational Institute, notified that they had considered the letter forwarded by the National Service League, and desired to recommend the society to take no action, ,* on the ground that the school children are fully occupied at present with local efforts. This was in reply to a suggettion that the school children should purchase books on Anzac Day, which the league were having printed. The chairman considered that it wa» time tjie Ways and Means Comhiittea should meet, as it was necessary that further funds should be provided,' and at his instance it was resolved to ask the Ways and Means Committee to meet and report to next meeting.