OVERSEAS PARCELS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 248, 1 August 1941, Page 6

OVERSEAS PARCELS.

QuesfioN of the £an. RECONgiDERAfION gOttGUT Reporting' to-day to the Ashbiiftoli County Council on the activities of the Canterbury Provincial Patriotic Council, Mr Crothers stated that accounts amounting to £26,314 10s Bd. were passed for payment including £15,000, Canterbury's quota of the contribution from the Dominion of £IOO,OOO for the British Air Raid Relief Fund, and £7OOO for the National Boards requirements. “Requests are often made from associations, clubs, And committees for permission to raise funds by subscription, dances and concerts for the purpdse of forwarding parcels to the me ft from their localities who are serving overseas, but although the purpose is recognised as being a laudable One,, it isinot permitted.under the regulations. The executive referred the matter to the National Board for its consideration,” Mr Crothers added. “In some districts considerable overlapping of appeals for Red Cross and patriotic purposes has caused concern add is being investigated, although in Ashburton County there has been no complaint. Any appals made by Red Cross Societies, at present, are only for the purpose of their peace time activities, and the supply of their requirements for first aid posts, with the Emergency Precautions Scheme.”

The Rehabilitation and Temporary Relief Fund had been briilt lip to £55,000 and many requests for assistance to returned soldiers, their wives arid families had been attended to. The Ashburton zone was provided with funds and could attend to the requirements of local men without reference to the Central Committee. Expenses of Camps. Burnham Miliary Camp and the Air Force Stations at Wigram and Harewood caused a considerable strain on the funds of the Canterbury Committee, and some contributions had been made by other districts toward the cost. Efforts were being made to have these contributions increased. The National Council had decided to base the contribusions from Provinces on population and capital value, but any alteration of the present basis for local collections was not altered, and would from time to time be decided by Provincial Councils. Funds by Taxation. The National Board considered a proposal to raise funds by taxation and decided to adhere to the voluntary system, and the Canterbury Executive approved of the decision. It was pointed out that the object of collecting funds was to supplement official expenditure by voluntary effort, and that if the suggestions were adopted, it would be obvious that the Government would take over control of the expenditure of such monies, and this would be contrary to the spirit of the patriotic organisation. The women of the- Comforts Committee and throughout the Province were doing wonderful work in the provision of knitted goods, but unfortunately, sufficient wool for the purpose was not available. Steps were being taken to obtain further supplies.