PATRIOTIC AND WAR FUNDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 134, 8 June 1926, Page 8

PATRIOTIC AND WAR FUNDS.

TWO BIG QUESTIONS.

CENTRALISATION OR AMALGAMATION.

CONFERENCE IN WELLINGTON.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

A conference was opened to-day representing various bodies concerned in the administration of patriotic and war funds, the principal object being to decide questions relating to the centralisation or the amalgamation of the various funds and uniform distribution of money for relief purposes.

Addressing the conference, the Hon. W. D. Stewart said he wished to make it clear that there was no suggestion that tho Government was seeking to control the conference. Departmental officers would be present to furnish information and assist the conference.

Speaking on behalf of the Government, the Minister said he deeply appreciated the great amount of work done'by the various societies. This work had been done unostentatiously and efficiently by people who had every experience in the administration of moneys, and the Government looked to them for guidance in solving problems arising from time to time. It was felt it would be of advantage to the trustees of the various funds, and also returned soldiers, if the whole present position of the war funds was examined as well as the adequacy of meeting the needs of beneficiaries and the possibilities of obtaining gTeater uniformity in the administration of the funds. The question of finance would require a good deal of consideration. A question undoubtedly would arise of earmarking part of the funds for specific purposes, such as scholarship funds, veterans' homes, etc.

The chairman (Sir John Luke) said unless something was done some of the smaller societies would be forced out of existence. The time was not ripe for nationalisation, but he believed it would soon come about.

Mr. Tripp said the advisory board was against pooling of funds. There was enough money in sight at present to keep all the societies going for seven or eight years. The council was of the opinion, however, that nationalisation should take place some time in the future. He moved "that the question of nationalisation be postponed." This was carried.

The conference resolved "that a returned soldier is qualified, by reason of service, to have his case considered on its merits at the discretion of the trustees of patriotic funds." It was decided to remove limitation of time in regard to applications for pensions.