PATRIOTIC FUND

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 July 1943, Page 2

PATRIOTIC FUND

WAIRARAPA ZONE QUOTA 15 PER CENT SHORT. FURTHER APPEAL PROPOSED. Figures submitted by the treasurer (Mr G. T. O’Hara Smith) to a meeting of the Masterton Patriotic Committee last night showed that the Wairarapa Zone B patriotic fund appeal had reached 85 per cent of its quota of £26,703. A further £3,907 was needed. The area shortages were:—Master ton, £1,759; Akitio, £234; Carterton, £132; Greytown, £1,246; Featherston, £728; Eketahuna, £287. Pathiatua had exceeded its quota by £220, and Martinborough by £37. The meeting, which was presided over by the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, decided to make an appeal to the district for a better response. It was also decided to send letters to all those who had not subscribed to the recent appeal. A list of names of those who had not subscribed to the recent - appeal was submitted to the meeting. The meeting decided that if there was no response to the letters members of the committee would make individual calls. MR A. P. BENNETT’S-WORK. Mr J. A. Betts, chairman of the committee set up to conduct the Masterton appeal, said the Wairarapa Hospital Board, through Mr Norman Lee, had kindly granted Mr A. P. Bennett a month’s leave of absence to assist in the appeal. The committee had always based its appeal on the word “conscience.” People were circularised, .and in three weeks the figure of £8,287 had been reached. Out of that sum about £2BO had to be credited to other zones for their share of the Wairarapa ladies' shop day. From a standpoint of numbers, the response to the appeal -was disappointing. Out of a total population of 14.350, comprising the Masterton borough and county, and Castlepoint and Mauriceville counties, up to March 31, only 917 contributions were received. However, there were a number who had overlooked the appeal, and it was hoped they would visit the treasurer before September 30. Galas, etc., raised nearly 25 per cent of the total so far subscribed. Mr Betts said he hoped General Freyberg’s remarks as to the benefit the forces were receiving from the Patriotic Fund would touch people’s consciences before the close of the appeal. NEED OF COMFORTS. The call for comforts and parcels for the forces, especially for prisoners of war, Mr Betts said, should act as a clarion call. Those who had spoken to the returned men would realise the value of the work done by the Patriotic Fund Board. Mr Betts paid a tribute to the work of members of the committee and the secretary, Mr Bennett, who had lost several weeks’ work but had refused remuneration for his services. Mr Betts referred to the willing co-operation he and the committee had received from all sections of the community. The R.S.A. and the W.W.S.A. had always readily responded. Mr H. H. Daniell had done splendid work as publicity officer. The women had also worked wonderfully well, and special praise was due to the Martinborough ladies. A large number of women gave their time throughout the year in knitting, sewing and preparing parcels, etc.

Mr Betts was thanked for his services, and a vote of thanks was passed to Mr Bennett for giving so much of his time without any remuneration. Mr Jordan said Mr Bennett’s patriotic spirit was deeply appreciated, and he also referred to Mr Betts’s great public service.