PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 238, 7 October 1940, Page 3

PATRIOTIC FUNDS.

REPRESENTATION ISSUE.

RETURNED SOLDIERS' REQUEST.

The constitution of the National Patriotic Fund Board, the several provincial patriotic councils and the various metropolitan committees was explained at the provincial convention of the X.Z.R.S.A. held in Auckland. It was pointed out that the Auckland provincial council was really the previously-appointed provincial centennial council, but on the. outbreak of war the personnel as it stood was converted to its present status and title. The only direct representative of the R.S.A. was the Auckland president, although many other members of the council may be in fact returned soldiers.

Members present contended that this representation was completely insufficient, although it was realised that most of the work was done by, and the distributing authority was vested in, the various zone committees and their ancillary subcommittees. Dircct R.S.A. representatives on the council would, therefore, be of tremendous use as liaison officers between the. council and their respective associations.

It was decided that the Auckland Patriotic Council should be approached with the following proposition: " That for the purpose of representation the province be considered as being divided into districts according to the present zones, and that each R.S.A. or group of R.S.A.'s in each district should have direct repre.sentation on the council, the Auckland R.S.A. to have not lees than two representatives."

The chairman explained that the proposal was for the benefit of the country districts, because in Auckland city the position is at least partly catered for by the fact that he was a member of the council and of the standing committee of the council with the right to appoint a deputy should he be unable to be present at any meetings.