PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 71, 24 March 1919, Page 4

PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

We are glad to sec that thu Minister of Internal Affairs has stated emphatically that the Government will not allow moneys subscribed to war funds to be diverted to war memorials. Indeed, we are rather surprised that Mr. Russell should have received from patriotic societies a large number of applications for permission to apply moneys to such memorials. It should be obviou s that money raised for the benefit of soldiers should be used strictly for that purpose, and no other. There are, of course, many kinds of war memorials, and we can conceive of memorials, such as a hospital for disabled soldiers, to which war funds might legitimately be applied. But, generally speak-

ing, Mr. Russell's attitude is quite sound; there is no case for diverting money raised for the benefit of our fighting men, to the erection of concert halls, obelisks and statues. The people of New Zealand have subscribed very liberally to patriotic funds, but the large sums they have provided will be by no means excessive for the .needs of disabled soldiers and their dependents, and the dependents of those who will never return. The duty of meeting these obligations ie a very sacred trust, and any mean treatment of those who have this call on us will be a stain on our honour. The erection of memorials of the war quite a separate and secondary obligation.