V.M.C.A. WAR FUNDS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 191, 13 August 1919, Page 9

V.M.C.A. WAR FUNDS.

DEMAND FOB INQUIRY. STATEMENT BY MINISTER. (By T^ograph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON"", Tuesday. A demand was recently made by th«s Returned Soldiers" Association for. a Boyal Commission to inquire into the vrhole question of patriotic war funds. It appears from correspondence published that the Young Men's Christian Association is the body to whose accounts the Jiinister's attention was drawn by the Association.

A deputation representing the executive cf the Young Men's Christian Association waited on the Minister of Internal Affairs to-day to explain various matters in connection with its war fuads. The Minister was informed that a complete balance-sheet had been prepared. A further explanation arising out of the bal-ance-sheet and statements would be available to the secretary of the War Funds Oflice when asked for.

The Minister expressed satisfaction ivith tho information given, and said the suggestion was made that possibly a conference of representatives of the Red Cross, V.M.C.A., War Funds Office, and the military authorities would be the best method of bringing about a clear definition of the respective responsibilities. He desired, on the part of the Government, to express the highest appreciation of the work done, not only in Now Zealand, but also in every field of war by the V.M.C.A. He was satisfied there was no legitimate ground for complaint in connection with the expenditure of the Association's funds. There were doubtless matters under consideration by the War Funds Office, which required explanation. These inquiries, however, did not in any way question the honesty of tbe administration of the fund, but were required for the balancing and synchronising of funds in the various theatres for audit purposes. lie wished to assure the deputation that the Government would take no part in any inquiry, on the assumption that there bad boon improper dealings with the funds. The Government was not going to take part in any movement that would nave the effect of dishonouring the magnificent work the Association had performed, not only in New Zealand, but also throughout the whole of the Empire.