POSITION CLARIFIED

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20956, 8 November 1939, Page 8

POSITION CLARIFIED

PATRIOTIC FUNDS NOT FOR GOVERNMENT CONTROL BY COUNCIL An explanation of the position with regard to the distribution and use of patriotic funds was made by the Mayor of Hamilton, Mr H. D. Caro, to-day. In making the statement the Mayor stated that he wished to relieve any doubts and to correct any wrong impressions that might have arisen wjth regard to the control of the funds. “It is apparent to me that the general public has the wrong impression regarding the patriotic funds,” said Mr Caro, “and I wish to make it perfectly clear that each provincial patriotic council has the sole right to collect and spend money, and that the money is held in trust and cannot be appropriated by the Government of the day or any other body or bodies. I want definitely to dispel from the mind of everybody that the money collected will go to the Government. Nothing of the sort is going to happen. "I also wish to make it clear that the funds collected are for providing comforts and amenities for the soldiers in camp, and for all members of His Majesty’s forces, including the Navy, the military forces and the Air Force. The comforts and amenities needed urgently are pyjamas, woollen sox, Christmaa parcels and Christmas puddings. Communal H.n. tw Cam pc “The Government intends to build communal halls in all the camps,” said Mr Caro. “Attached to the halls will be libraries, canteens, lounges and concert halls. The patriotic authorities are asked to furnish these halls and make them comfortable.” It was thought essential, he continued, for each camp to have its own band, and the patriotic authorities were asked to provide the instruments. In the Auckland Province there were approximately 4000 men in camp, and it was the duty of the public to provide them with the comforts they required. “In Hamilton a flag week will be held from November 20 to November 24, and a street collection will be held on closing day,” concluued Mr Caro. "I sincerely ask for the co-operation and assistance of all residents of Hamilton, and I have every confidence that they will respond nobly to this appeal."