AN INDICATED LACK OF THOUGHT.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 June 1939, Page 4

AN INDICATED LACK OF THOUGHT.

JjOOKING fairly at the facts, it, is impossible to do anything else than agree with the contention of the Mayor of Masterton (Mr T. Jordan) that this town and other parts of the Wairarapa district have as yet fallen considerably short of making a worthy response to the appeal of the Plunket Society for funds with which to establish a national memorial to one whom Mr Jordan has fairly called “New Zealand’s greatest son, Sir Truby King.” The amount thus far subscribed in Masterton is only a comparatively small part of what might have been expected and of the sum that would easily be raised if even very small donations were made at all freely.

Are Masterton and the 'Wairarapa to continue to rest under this reproach, or is it rather to he assumed that in spite of all that has been said and published on the subject, many people have not yet given any real thought to the appeal as it affects them personally? It may be supposed that few New Zealanders who give the matter even a little consideration will be prepared to deny themselves the pleasure and privilege of having some small part in financing a memorial to Sir Truby King—a memorial of which the chief purpose will be to extend and enlarge the great work he established for the health of mothers and infants and to which, in the fullest sense of the words, he devoted his life. For many a year Sir Truby King thought of little else than the health and welfare of the people of New Zealand. Is he now to be denied, in Masterton and the Wairarapfi, the passing thought that surely would induce those who have benefited by his life-work, or have seen and see its benefits enjoyed by others, to make some modest contribution to the memorial fund .’ Only lack of thought will account for the poor response made thus far to the Plnnket Society’s appeal. A full remedy for lliis state of affairs will be found if people will allow themselves to think even for a little while of what Sir Truby King did for New Zealand, though not for New Zealand alone. The inestimable service he rendered was given freely to all. An admirably appropriate tribute of gratitude would be paid in a multitude of small donations to the memorial fund.