THE NAVY RELIEF FUND.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 172, 20 July 1916, Page 2

THE NAVY RELIEF FUND.

(To the Editor.) Sir.—l am glad to sec that Mr. Monckton has broken some new ground on this question. According to his statement, it appears that the British Government itself recognised that the pensions were —adequate, and provided for supplementary grants out of voluntary funds. If this is so it must have been a temporary arrangement until the scale had been raised and largely increased, which we know was done some time ago. We contend that, taking everything into consideration, the allowances are fair. Jl the difference in the cost of living i-i remembered, it will be found that there are hundreds of families in this city to-

day whose breadwinners are in regular employment, who are not so well off as ther families in Great Britain who are living on the pensions provided by the British Government. But supposing we take it for granted thatthc peheioiis-ve not adequate, how is the voluntary system goini; to meet the case? The Navy League lias raised over sixty thousand pounds. If that is required now it will be required every year for the next fifteen or twenty years, and has the. Navy League any hope of being able by voluntary subscription to meet this requirement? I think not. I can assure Mr. Monckton and all whom it may concern that we are Uβ anxious as the Nevy League is to see that tho dependents of the men who have fallen in our battles are provided for. We are willing and eager to pay our share, bnt we hold that it should Up levied fairly, that it should go through the proper constitutional channels, so that it will be received as a rurht. and not as a favour; and we have asked the Government to provide a sum of not less than £50,000 per annum, not for one year, but co long as the need exists. This it seems to mc is the j only certain -way of attaining the object; and I cannot understand why every one! who wishes to see New Zealand pay herj fair share should not strongly support! our reqnest.—T am. etc.. - I . . . A. A. ROSS. j „ i (To tils Editor.) I Sir,—The following is of interest aai

showing the farmers' point of view and! their appreciation of the work done by! the Navy. Mr. .1. Allen, of Devonport.! on handing mc a cheque this morning as* contribution to the Navy League North; Sea Relief Fund, related the following! ; incident:—"His father employed an oldj Sergeant of Marine, who on returning; one day from drawing his per..,.on, wae met by one .of Mr. Allen's boys with the remark, That's money easily earnt.' In a voice whoso whisper was almost a roar the sergeant replied as follows: — 'My boy, it's the likes of us who have made it possible for the likes of you to walk behind your plough without having to carry a revolver hi your pocket.'" Mr. Allen stated that although this remark was made 50 years ago, it has remained in his memory ever since, and was-a pretty correct guide in suggesting to him a subscription to such a fund. It I made him think, and may make others! think, a little more of the present debtl which we all should pay to the widows left by the men whose work in the Navy has left us in the happy position mdi- ' cated by the remarks of the old scr- ' geant. In his own case he felt it incum- . bent on bam to subscribe, being a member 1 both of the Auckland Farmers' Union • and of the Navy League.—l am, etc., \ ALFRED G. LUNN, ; Hon. Treas.