TARANAKI WAR RELIEF ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 July 1917, Page 3

TARANAKI WAR RELIEF ASSOCIATION.

MONTHLY MEETING. Delegates present at the Taranaki War Relief Association, held at Stratford on Wednesday, were.Messrs W. P. Kirkwood (Stratford) in the chair, C. E. Bellringer (New Plymouth), T. B. Crump (Elthaml, A. Atkinson (Waitnra), J. W. Winfield (Inglewood), J. Larcombe (Patea), Rev. R. B. Tinsley (Egmont), J. F. Stevenson (Manaia). An application by a soldier for a grant of £SO at a previous meeting after being granted, was held up for consideration by the Eltham Committee to report. The latter body notified that they were not prepared to apply th» amount as applicant's real domicile was not Taranaki. If the executive authorised payment, however, it would be made, the amount in the meantime being held in abeyance. After hearing Mr. Crump's explanation, Mr. Atkinson suggested that the application should be left to the discretion of the Eltham committee.

An application was made by the Hawera committee on behalf of a soldier for a sum of £25 to pay for supplies, also a further grant of £1 per week for three months. The letter set out that this grant was required till the milking season is in swing.—Amount granted. The Patea Committee applied for financial assistance to a man on the land in their district. Mr. Lareombe outlined the circumstances of the case. — Mr. Bellringer thought that there should be a uniform rate of interest charged in making these loans. Mr Stevenson thought that where the. security was good the interest should be low. and applicant given every consideration. It wa* resolved that £SOO be granted. Mr. Stevenson reported that his committee desired the association should endeavor to allow extension of time for payment of rent in the case of men (soldiers) who have drawn Government land. —Recommended to the executive committee for consideration. New Plymouth committee notified that an applicant receiving assistance would not require aid after the next three months. The applicant thanked the association for assistance.—Received.

STATE OF FINANCES. A recommendation was received from the Defence Minister regarding allocation of patriotic funds for soldiers in the Homeland. Mr. Bcllringer said the association liad contributed funds to the Y.M.C.A. and similar branches, and thought they would have to do something to increase their funds. The chairman remarked that they had been pretty liberal in tlieir grants to several returning soldiers, but the drain was becoming very severe, and a halt would have tq be made. Certainlx the association*! fund*

would not stand the appeals for assistance in the sums desired by applicants. GENERAL. Mr. Bellrlnger supported the application of a New Plymouth woman for a loan of £45. Her husband was with the expeditionary forces, and she was endeavoring to carry on the work, but had incurred liabilities to the extent named, and desired assistance. —Granted. AN INGLEWOOD APPLICATION. Mr. Winfield brought up the case of a young man who had been wounded and invalided homo. It was impossible for applicant to undertake hard work, owing to his injuries. He had a brother (married) who would give him every assistance in purchasing stock, etc. The applicant had about £2OO of his own. Mr. Winfield thought that the association might grant £SOO provided there were two or three guarantors. The chairman and Mr. Bellringer were sympathetic. Mr. Atkinson suggested that the matter be referred back to the Inglewood committee for their approval, and. also the names of guarantors. SECRETARY'S REPORT. (1). Bank balance as per cash book, as at 7th July, £1743 Gs 7d. (2) Post office savings bank account, £8557 2s 4d. (3). Receipts acknowledged since 20th June: —Hawera committee, £3097 15s lid; Horgan and Scanlon, £307 lis 6d; Gisborne Society (refund Toy), £3; New Plymouth committee, £llß2 9s; New Plymouth committee (refund Marshall), £0; North Taranaki committee, £100; total," £469G lGs sd.