RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1919, Page 2

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

DISPOSAL OF PATRIOTIC FUNDS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchuroh, April 29. The annual meeting of the Returned Soldiers' Association resolved to apply for a greater representation on the Repatriation Board; it also decided to ask the Government to declare Anzac Day a statutory holiday and to protest to the Defence Department against the practice of closing hotels when a draft of soldiers return. The resolution was carried unanimously, expressing a strong resentment against the attitude of the Hon. G. W. Russell towards the aspirations of the Returned Soldiers Association, particularly his action in refusing to allow the trustees of the Lady Liverpool Fund to donate a sum of money to the building fund for the Returned Soldiers' Club. The Hon. G. W. Russell, replying to criticism of his refusal to sanction the transfer of £3OOO from the Lady Liverpool Fund to the Soldiers' Club Building Fund, said the veto wa3 imposed on the direct advice of the Solicitor-General. The purpose of the fund having ceased, it came under the War Funds Act automatically. The Act made no provision for, such transfer, and he would not create a precedent. Mr. Russell added .that- the patriotic funds totalled £1,700,000, raised for the benefit of the soldiers and their dependents, and they should he maintained as a sacred heritage; but there was, undoubtedly, hoarding, and he would shortly publisii a statement of ail funds of over £IO,OOO, the revenue received, the amount paid over for the last year, and the credit balance. This would be a large eyeopener for people, and especially for the soldiers, who should seek to protect the funds, and should have more direct control or partnership in the management. He hoped that increased representation of soldiers on the War Funds Council would soon be given.