ELTHAM.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1918, Page 3

ELTHAM.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Elthain, March 28. PATRIOTIC APPEAL. The Mayo* (Mr. T. B. Crump) presided at the meeting held lust evening to consider ways and means of raising money for the p.everal patriotic funds some time during April. The attendance was rather disappointing, but it did not disturb or upset the promoters, who took the platform, and outlined the many reasons why Ultharu should fall into line with other towns and show practical sympathy with our fighting men and their many needs. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, M.P., referred to the great battle proceeding in France, and the great need that we should see that those who were battling on our behalf were in no way neglected. He read several letters regarding money previously sent to various institutions, and had received replies that these had been received, and also letters of thanks from the men at the front, thus indicating that the money was going to the right quarter. Mr. C. J. -aleher, county chairman, said it was surely up to all to do everything possible for the boys at the front. This was an occasion when all could do something, and it was no use denying there was plenty of cash in the Dominion being used for other purposes that could easily be placed to the credit of our soldiers. Mr. Curteis (Mgngatoki) was very optimistic, and believed that by thorough organisation £IOOO could be secured in a rich district sueh'as theirs. Hon. W. Carncross and Mr. 1). L. A. Astbury also added a few words of encouragement, and the need far more funds. A resolution was then carried, "That this meeting heartily approves of the effort being made to collect funds to pro.vide comforts for our men in the trenches, and pledges itself to assist the movement by every means in its power." The sum of £174 was collected in the room, the donations including: C. A. Wilkinson and (.'. A. Wilkinson, Ltd., £25 each, C. A. Wilkinson's employees £lO 10s. W. N. Jenkins, .1. Phillips seiu., and K. C. Ooldstone £10; C. H. White, T. Thomas, (!. W. Taylof, W. Thorpe, fl. (■I. Carman, T. Stanners, L. N. Fairhull, D. Syme, W. C. Carncross, K. Parrott, T. Is. Crump. J. L. Campbell, X. Midland L. B. Grinistone £5; (}. H. Buckeridge £3, Kev. Arkwright, I. .1. BridgetI and L. Hill £2 2s, P. 11. Pease, R. (ireen, I Thomhill and Allendale £1 each. This afternoon I '•ran across'' Tom Wilkie, just back from the front. All things considered, the returned soldier is looking very well, and confesses that lie is glad to get back to sunny Taranaki (it was brilliant sunshine at the time). While at the front he Underwent an operation. Then he "got it" in the shoulder, and that meant another operation, which has < left him with a still' shoulder, and as far as he is concerned he is out of the war. His wife was pleased to see him back again, as fortunately it falls to few wives to lose father, mother and only brother, and have their husbands badly wounded all in the space of sixteen weeks.