GIFTS FOR CHARITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22139, 19 June 1935, Page 13

GIFTS FOR CHARITY

GOVERNMENT'S DUTY TRANSPORT BOARD OPINIONS References to what was considered the State's duty in providing for charitable objects were made by Labour members of the Auckland Transport Board at a meeting yesterday. Appeals for assistance were received from the Community Sunshine Association, the Auckland Swimming Centre in connection with its educational work and the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Crippled Children's Society. The deputy-chairman, Mr. P. E. Lark, moved that the appeals should be deferred for a month for consideration. Mr. J. Sayegh said many appeals were received and they represented a large sum over a period of years. The board had a deficit for the year, and it was not the function of local authorities to contribute to causes which should be a matter for the Government. While agreeing that consideration could well be deferred, Mr. J. A. C. Allum hoped that requests for charitable purposes would not be declined because of a loss. Such an attitude would mean a sorry day for charitable institutions, and he hoped some charity could be shown. Mr. Sayegh explained that he was not opposing the principle of charity. He was merely pointing out the Government's duty. Referring to the appeal from the Crippled Children's Society, Mr. J. S. Montgomerie said it was deplorable that such an object should be left to private donations. The care of crippled children should mean a claim on the Consolidated Fund, and he thought the matter was more important than old age pensions. Consideration of the appeals was deferred for a month.