PATRIOTIC APPEALS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 1, 12 October 1943, Page 2

PATRIOTIC APPEALS.

SYSTEM TO BE OVERHAULED. SIXTY CANVASSERS NEEDED. Plans for reviewing the. system of street appeals and livening up the house-to-house canvassing for patriotic funds were discussed by the Ashburton Borough Patriotic Committee last evening. Messrs S. W. Gower, H. G. Ferrier and T. L. Crooks 'were, appointed a sub-committee to investigate the mattei\ Mr Gower emphasised that it was necessary for the public to take more interest in patriotic appeals. Probably if the word “appeal” was played up a little less and the public made more conversant with facts and figures better results would be obtained. Mr Ferrier agreed that the street appeal system needed overhauling. One of the committee’s most urgent needs "was a group of from 50 to 60 canvassers prepared to give time to and put energy into their job. Issue of Stamps. Another suggestion for raising funds, made by Mr Gower, was that patriotic stamps be issued under a scheme similar to that for health stamps. A recommendation will be made to the Canterbury Provincial Patriotic Council, urging that the Government go into the matter and if it proves feasible, that there be no restriction on the sale of the stamps to collectors overseas. Messrs H. B. Millichamp, W. H. Sarney and Gower were appointed a Bub-committee to inquire into the possibility of holding a flower show for patriotic purposes in the near future. It was decided to draw the radio raffle this week.

A report on the year’s campaign was given by the treasurer (Mr W. R. M. Stewart), who said that the committee had £334 in hand toward the next quota. Dr. W. R. Ryburn said that a gala held in the Domain some time before Christmas should augment the funds considerably. He suggested that a band concert be incorporated in the gala. The Mayor, who presided, undertook to interview the secretary of the Ashburton Silver Band (Mr A. C. Wilson) regarding the possibilities of the scheme.