GIFT FROM SINGAPORE

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1940, Page 8

GIFT FROM SINGAPORE

TARANAKI SPITFIRE FUND RETURN FOR HOSPITALITY

Taranaki's most unusual contribution to the Spitfire gift. fund was paid in at the New Plymouth office of the Daily News yesterday. Under the nom-de-plume of "Three Grateful Strangers" it was received from three Singapore people through the Rev. J. D. McL. Wilson, New Plymouth. The circumstances under which the gift came to be made are unusual. A cousin of Mr. Wilson, who with his wife and a friend recently visited Taranaki, has forwarded the contribution with the following explanation: — "As a token of our appreciation of the kind hospitality extended to us and of the spontaneous and wholehearted way in which New Zealand has made our present troubles its own, please pass on to any patriotic fund you may consider suitable the enclosed donation from 'three grateful strangers.' " Not Half-way Yet. Taranaki's total collection for the fund is now well over the £3000 mark, but is not yet half-way to the goal of £6500. The appeal closes at the end of the month so that a large amount will have to be contributed in the next ten days. The appeal at Opunake has benefited by the allocation of £13 ls 6d from the regular contributions by residents at the express wish of the donors. The Opunake patriotic committee has decided that the appeal shall continue on a voluntary basis and no direct canvass will be made. Waitara's total now stands at £278, more than £50 being received in a house-to-house collection. Additional sums are still to come in. The New Plymouth Hospital Expatients' Association has announced that the proceeds from its next community sing will be given to the fund. District totals yesterday were:—

Further acknowledgement^ are:—

Contributions will be received at any office of the Taranaki Daily News or by the treasurer, Mr. F. Davis, New Plymouth.

£ s. d. New Plymouth 1775 10 8 Hawera 786 18 0 Waitara 278 18 3 Eltham 56 4 7 Stratford 72 12 6 Inglewood 44 1° 0 Onunake 27 5 6

£ s. d. Previously acknowledged 1762 16 8 N.P. Golf Club Week-end Ladies 12 6 Mr. Allan Veale 110 Te Roti War Workers' Committee 3 3 0 Oaonui School Pupils 2 6 6 Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Colson 110 "Two Londoners" 15 0 Kiwi Club, Waiongona 1 10 0 Vogeltown School Old Pupils' Association 10 0 Sundry 5 0 1775 10 8

New Plymouth.

£ s. d. Previously acknowledged 65 2 6 Supper Cloth Competition 7 10 0 Total to date 72 12 6

Stratford.