FALSE RUMORS AS TO PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 January 1918, Page 3

FALSE RUMORS AS TO PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

To the Editor. Sir,—l regret that it is necessary, in the interest of the gift auction sale, which has been promoted to augment patriotic funds, to contradict false rumore put in circulation, for some obscure reason, by individuals in the Stratford district. To two of the canvassers for the gift auction sale the statement was made as a Teason for not making a donation, that the funds subscribed for patriotic purposes were lent to a private picture- company in Stratford. This statement is without any foundation whatever. The War Funds Act clearly states and defines how patriotic funds may be invested, and under this Act it is not permissible to invest the funds in a private company. The public may rest assured that patriotic funds are properly safeguarded. The treasurer of each patriotic body is required to make a quarterly statement to the Department of Internal Affairs respecting all monies "received, and also forward a duly audited balance-sheet covering the year's operations. Any patriotic organisation making an unauthorised departure from the regulations, such as lending money to a private company, would be speedily brought to book. As against a few persons spreading false rumors, it is pleasing to note the generous response of the people throughout the Stratford district to the gift auction sale. The sick and wounded soldiers' fund, which will mainly benefit by the sale, is in need of further funds. With the money now held by the Taranaki Provincial War Relief Association, if it were distributed pro rata amongst the men who have gone from Taranaki to help fight the Empire's battles, it would not amount to £lO per man. However, the association is doing more than help the soldier; it also helps his dependents. This will clearly demonstrate that with the soldier and his dependents, the amount per head for distribution is a, mere pittance. In conclusion, I would aak that the "man in the street's" stories be not relied upon. The association has a representative in every Taranaki district, who at all times is only too willing to supply any information required concerning the working of the association, or a note to the secretary, asking for facts and figures, will receive prompt attention. My excuse for the length of this letter is the cause in which it is written. I am, etc., W. T. KIRKWOOD (Chairman Taranaki Provincial War Relief Association). Stratford, Jan. 30.