DOMINION WAR RELIEF ASSOCIATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 2732, 30 July 1915, Page 7

DOMINION WAR RELIEF ASSOCIATION.

WELLINGTON, July ,28. ■' At the Dominion conference in connection with the collection, control and distribution of funds for war'purposes, Mr Skervo'tt, K.C., explained that his scheme emphasised the absolute-.neces-sity of compulsory levies upon opuient branches in the interests of poorer branches. The cardinal point to be kept in view was that no. soldier, sailor, or dependent should want while there" wore funds in the Dominion to - help him. There must be uniformity in the scale of relief.

The Mayor of Wellington proposed— "That an association, to bo called the Dominion War Relief Association, be formed."

Mr Williams (Christchurch) moved as an amendment that local centres should be first formed, and that the question of federation or amalgamation should then be considered.

Mr Skerret-t then described the amendment as destructive of the scheme for tho present, and possibly for all tinir?.

Mr Parr, M.P. (Auckland), complimented Mr Skerretb upon tho broadminded and statesmanlike manner in which tho scheme had boon framed. He could see no objection to the proposed federation. The amendment was lost, and the Mayor of Wellington's motion carried. Tho conference then proceeded to discuss details of the scheme. The Patriotic Funds Conference sat till to-night. It was eventually decided in respect to relief, that tho branches should be empowered to grant relief and benefit to New Zealand wounded, incapacitated, or necessitous soldiers or sailors and those in any way dependent upon them. It was agreed, on tho suggestion of Mr Parr, that;in the administration of funds two or more- branches may co-operate. Special relief, cannot be granted by a branch beyond a sum of £100 without the consent of the Executive Committee. ; .

The clauses dealing with levies from districts that are solvent .to those whoso funds am depleted -wore adopted, as werejalso the clauses .dealing with any disputes that may arise. A Wairarapa suggestion that the various funds might be amalgamated for the purpose of investment by tho exe-cutiv-e did not receive the whole apjproval of the conference, as some delegates wore of the opinion that tho funds should bo invested in the district in which the money was collected. Mr Parr said he did not agree with the money being invested with tho Public Trustee, and Auckland would not send its funds out of the district for investment. The suggestion was put in the form of a motion and carried by 30 votes to nine. The drawing up of rules as amended was left in the hands of Mr Skerrett. The following committee was set up to get the necessary matter together for the calling of tho next conference: — The Mayor of Wellington (Mr .1 P. Luke). Messrs L. Tripp,C. J. Parr, H. G. Hill, S. Kirkcaldie and. J. McIntosh.