SLUGGISH RESPONSE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 14, 17 January 1940, Page 10

SLUGGISH RESPONSE.

I s PATRIOTIC FUNDS APPEALS. "PEOPLE WANT A LEAD." • Prom Jar Own C , orr«*poa<t<>ot.| CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. Comment on the sharp contrast between the generous giving to patriotic funds in 1014 and the poor response in 1039 was made by officers of interested organisations interviewed this week. Opinions were invited on the causes of the sluggish response, and among the causes suggested were the comparative lack of money in New Zealand; minor weaknesses in the patriotic fund organisation; and the apathy of the public, or their failure to realise their responsibilities. No major alternative to the present patriotic fund system was advocated, and views were expressed ranging from hopefulness to confidence that the system, with improvements, would meet with the desired success. "I can only say I hope the system and arrangements for the raising and administering of patriotic funds will be Hiiccessful," was the comment made by Sir R. Heat on Rhodes. "In the last war there were about 000 organisations handling the matter, and there was necessarily overlapping and waste, so I think the present Government is quite right In having a central organisation to see to the proper management of the funds." People Looking for Lead. Referring to the apparent lack of public enthusiasm, the people, Sir Heaton said, seemed to be looking to someone to take a lead, and they seemed to want it from the Government, as it was diking control. There were many possible rritsonM for this apathy. Everything whs done quietly, and he did not bin me the Government for that. It was right that matters such as details of troop departures should be kept quiet, but in the last war there were bunds, lined streets, ceremony and publicity, and much to arouse the public. In the last war, too, there was more enthusiasm among the troops —and this was reflected in civilians—because recruiting was by regiment*. Tradition and pride of regiment were a strong force, and the omission of this factor at present he regarded as a mistake.