APPEAL TO PATRIOTISM

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20956, 8 November 1939, Page 9

APPEAL TO PATRIOTISM

NATIONAL FUND GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S PLEA GENEROUS RESPONSE URGED (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) WELLINGTON, Tuesday An appeal for public support on behalf of the National Patriotic Fund was made by the Governor-General, Viscount Galway, in a broadcast address to-night. His Excellency spoke as chairman of the fund board, and said that the fund was placed under public supervision and'control. “On previous occasions during my tenure of office as Governor-General of this Dominion, I have appealed to your generosity in connection with the Health Stamp Campaign and in connection with the King George V. National Memorial Fund,” Lord Galway said. “Your gracious response to those appeals, which I now most readily acknowledge, was really splendid. I believe, however, that this is the most important appeal of any I have made, and I feel that my call to you now will meet with an even greater response. “In these circumstances of war in which we find ourselves, we are prepared to face resolutely all the resultant sacrifices. Our entire resources of men and material may yet be marshalled before we can safely say that we have preserved those principles of civilised government upon which alone permanent peace on earth may be established. New Zealand, in common with her sister members of the British Commonwealth of Nations, has embarked upon this noble purpose with magnificent determination, and I am aware that you will not count the cost. An Essential Part “The National Patriotic Fund is an essential part of that cost,” he continued. “Its creation and the wise expenditure of moneys subscribed mean so much in maintaining the high morale of our forces. How valuable in war that high standard is none knows better than those who have the responsibility of leading our armies in the field. The thought behind the gifts, the contact these mean with the people at home, in the far north or the far south, or over the seas, add more to the spirit and endeavour of our sailors, soldiers and airmen than can be expressed adequately in words. And in this connection I must also mention our prisoners of war, those of our brave men who, as a result of too close contact with the enemy, or through misfortune, now finds themselves in the prison camps of the enemy. Most of you have some knowledge of the discomforts and privations suffered by our soldiers in the last war. “Our men in camps here and already serving abroad, in their sacrifices for democracy will be called upon to endure hardship, face perils, brave great dangers,” Lord Galway said. “To them, therefore, we who remain behind owe not only our gratitude, but a tangible expression of that gratitude. We owe it to them to bring a measure of comfort and cheer to a lightening of their burden. It is for these that I appeal. I can give you the confident assurance that your gifts will reach those for whom they are intended in the most acceptable manner and in the way they will be most appreciated. . National Responsibility “The National Patriotic Fund Board has, as the title suggests, a national responsibility. It is charged with the duty of securing those funds and goods which will be spent or distributed through national agencies such as the joint council of the Order of St. John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society, the Y.M.C.A. the Salvation Army, and other organisations operating on a national scale, as well as by direct action. “The National Fund now established will not in any way conflict with, but, on the other hand, will be entirely supplementary to, efforts nade by the 11 provincial councils. Steps are being now taken by means oi a conference of provincial councils ujO the national board and national •cuncil to secure effective co-opera-don between the national board and the provincial councils,” he added. “I desire to make it clear that there will be no other element in the relations between the national board and the provincial councils than that of complete co-operation. “Already the national board has made expenditure and engaged in work for the forces in camp whereby very necessary comforts and amenities have been and are being supplied. Further calls for such and wider work can hardly yet be estimated, and we can only be prepared for whatever need may arise. lam therefore asking for an immediate subscription of a generous nature so that this work may go on steadily to the attainment of its objective. Methods of Transmission “Donations to the National Patriotic Fund may be paid through your own bank to the credit of the fund at the Reesrve Bank. Your own branch bank will remit your subscription, because of the generous courtesy of the Associated Banks, free of exchange. Alternatively, your donations may be made through the editor of any newspaper, paid into any branch of the Post Office Savings Bank on your instruction to remit it to the credit of the National Patriotic Fund Board, or sent direct to the Reserve Bank to be credited to the board. “That your response will be generous I know,” His Excellency said. “I am confident that you fully appreciate the sacrifices our men are making. I know you sympathise with them, that you are anxious to show your sympathy, anxious to brighten their lot.

“I feel I need not stress the matter. I know from my own experience of them that the people of New Zealand, one and all, will make every reasonable sacrifice within their power In order that assistance and c err.fort may be provided for the defenders of their homes, their country and their Empire.”