COMPLAINTS DEPLORED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21228, 26 September 1940, Page 6

COMPLAINTS DEPLORED

RED CROSS SOCIETY NEEDS' ARE TOO URGENT “On the eve of the launching of a special campaign for patriotic funds, each object of which should have the support of every citizen, it seems a singularly inappropriate time for the Auckland Provincial Patriotic Council to cast reflections on the New Zealand Red Cross Society, which has done and is doing much to assist the country’s effort,’’ said Mr A. E. Gibbons, president of the Waikato Centre of the Red Cross Society, when interviewed today. “The Waikato Centre would welcome the appointment of a Royal Commission to go into the question of the raising of funds, but if this course were followed it would desire that the field of the commission’s inquiries be substantially increased. “A very great deal could be said in reply,” continued Mr Gibbons, “but the needs of our soldiers and those suffering the misfortunes of war in England transcend such statements as made at Auckland. Sufficient has already been said at patriotic meetings to confuse the public and kill the spontaneous enthusiasm of many willing workers. “The good advice and direction given by the chairman of the National Patriotic Council at a recent meeting in Wellington of patriotic council secretaries seems to have been overlooked by the Provincial Council in its deliberations, but no good purpose can be served by enlarging on the whole regrettable affair.”