H.—46a

1917. NE W ZEALAND.

WAR RELIEF FUNDS (STATEMENTS CONTAINING CONTRIBUTIONS TO AND EXPENDITURE IN CONNECTION WITH).

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave. Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 27th July, 1917. Memorandum for the Hon. Minister of Defence. WAR RELIEF FUNDS. In accordance with your instructions of the 13th instant I submit herewith statements showing contributions to and expenditure in connection with the funds to promote the well-being of soldiers overseas from the beginning of the war to the 31st March, 1917. The statements are as follows: — 1. Summary of expenditure by countries. 2. Summary of receipts and expenditure by objects. Detailed statements of receipts and expenditure under the following funds :— 2a. New Zealand Comforts. 2b. High Commissioner's Comforts. 2c. Military Hospitals, &c. 2d. Sundry. 2e. Red Cross (British). The summary of expenditure by countries (1) has been prepared according to the information available, but the information might prove misleading, as much of the money paid to the British Red Cross Fund and entered under the heading " England " has no doubt been used for the benefit of soldiers elsewhere. The same remarks would apply in connection with the money paid to the New Zealand War Contingent Association. J. Hlslop, Under-Secretary.

I—H. 46a.