WAR RELIEF ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 September 1917, Page 3

WAR RELIEF ASSOCIATION.

MONTHLY MEETING. Stratford, Sept. 12. Tho Taranaki War Relief Association a;et this morning. Present: Messrs W. P. Kirkwood (Stratford) chairman, 'l'. B. Crump (Eltha.ru), 11. Mills (Hawera), K. Dunn (Farmers' Union), F. W. Atkinson (North Taranaki), W. Percival (Inglewocd), G. Larcomb (Patea). R. B. Tindey (Egmont), C. E. Bellringcr (New 'Plymouth), J. M. Stevenson (Manaia). Two returned soldiers applying f" r £SOO and £lls loans are to be notified that loans could not be granted Ijy the executive on the present applications. A Taranaki soldier in Wellington was granted ,£1 per week for three months, I the Wellington Association to make the I payments, and amounts to be paid later on by the Taranaki Association. Four local applications were favorably entertained, grants being made, and a fifth applicant allowed 15s per week. In the case \of a woman receiving relief, the local branch advised that the recipient had Obtained a, pension, and no further assistance was required. An application was made per the Wellington Association on behalf of a Taranaki soldier to liquidate debts and expenditure, viz., calls on shares, life insurance premium and university diploma fees. The committee interested wrote that they could not recommend, on the ground of establishing a bad precedent, particularly as to insurance premiums. .—Action of committee confirmed.

An application by a lady who has five sons serving, for a separation allowance, had been declined on the grounds that allotments are in her favor. Mr. Bellringer reported in this instance, and it was resolved to communicate with the Advisory Board, asking for an amendment of rules in such eases generally

An application for a loan of £SOO by a returned soldier, who was already on the land, for farming purchases, was granted. The Advisory Board forwarded a suggested scale of uniformity of relief to returned soldiers. After some discussion it was resolved to defer decision until the Government had made public its proposals. Recommendations by the Finance Committee that a further £3OOO should be placed on fixed deposit for six months, with the Bank of New Zealand, and that £IOOO be invested in war certificates, was adopted. The Marlborough Association forwarded a comprehensive scheme for the repatriation of discharged soldiers. There were 34 clauses, chiefly relative to av quiring certain areas of suitable lands for farms.—Action deferred, to allow local committees ample opportunity to ctKcuss and examine the proposals.

lii" chairman stated that the Government was now granting underclothing and boots to discharged men, but these were part of the ordinary army outfit, and by some might be considered rather rough. The association usually granted a soldier £lO, and as these articles were included in the value, perhaps the Association should reconsider the '_> rant. This was exclusive of 30s made by the Government. The secretary said from his own personal experience the clothing was good, but there was the question of an overcoat. Hitherto a discharged man was allowed his coat, but this was now stopped, and the £1 10s given by the Government would certainly not provide a. suit and coat. The Government grant of clothing was valued at £5 10s, apart from the order of £1 10s. Mr. Atkinson favored the association's grant remaining at £lO, and this should be the. maximum. Tocal committees should be notified that the association iiad since learned in fixing £lO that tile position of the discharged soldier was better than anticipated. The general impression in Xorth Taranaki was that the total allowance was £1 10a from the Government.

The secretary reported that the bank balance on September 5 was £623 os 7(1, and the post office savings bank £13,557 2s 4d. Receipts from August 6 to September !> totalled £5130 fls 9(1, of which the Manaia Committee (Kaupokonui Dairr Company). £l3Sfi. Patea Committee (Patea Freezing Co.) £3900; North Taranaki £75; interest on deposit. Bank of New Zealand, Strat'ford, £6O were the principal items.