COAST GUARD CAMPS

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 67, 4 April 1941, Page 3

COAST GUARD CAMPS

Provision Of Amenities NOT FROM PATRIOTIC FUND Referring to statements reported to have been made at the meeting of the Wellington Metropolitan Patriotic Committee on Monday, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Nash, said yesterday that the Government had not at any time been approached for funds to be expended in the manner mentioned in the statement. If money was required to provide the best of camp buildings and surroundings and to ensure that the men are properly cared for or to maintain their health, it would be made available. !

To expend any money subscribed to the Patriotic Funds for purposes in connexion with the ordinary necessary work at camps either in or out of the Dominion was a misuse. of such funds and it should neither have been applied for nor granted, said the Minister. If any money had been paid over for the purposes reported in yesterday morning’s press it should he immediately refunded.

“The officers and men engaged in coast-guard work have difficult and trying duties to carry out and whatever can be done by the Government to improve their conditions, as with all other members of the forces, will be done out of the funds in the War Expenses Account,” said Mr. Nash. “To the extent that games, sporting and social facilities and extra amenities are needed for the camps, then they, under the existing circumstances, are being provided out of the moneys which are subscribed to patriotic- funds, and the excellent work being done by all workers to build up the patriotic funds for this purpose is appreciated by the Government and every member of the War- Cabinet.”